The 9th network meeting of Haklara Destek Program focused on women’s rights. In this meeting, where we had the chance to reflect on the feminist struggles in Algeria, Tunisia, and Turkey, we discussed the political atmosphere, women’s and LGBTI+ rights struggles in these three countries, as well as best practices from each country. The meeting, emphasizing hope-based approaches and intersectionality, took place on May 24 with the participation of 27 people. We themed this newsletter based on one of the discussion topis of the meeting: “Feminist Struggle in Authoritarian Regimes.”
In the rest of the newsletter, you can read about the activities we carried out within the scope of the program, as well as news from Haklara Destek organizations and various networks.
Title: A World Where Everyone Is Equally Protected Cover Illustration:Burcu Köleli
On May 24, we came together in Istanbul for the Women’s Right Network Meeting!
We held Haklara Destek Program’s 4th Network Meeting titled “Feminist Struggle against Laws and Prohibitions in Authoritarian Regimes,” on May 24, 2024. The meeting, attended by 27 people, brought together women’s right organizations active in the field of women’s humans rights. Two representatives from Algeria and Tunisia also participated in the meeting, giving us the opportunity to discuss the struggle for women’s rights in three different countries throughout the day.
Hayat Remmache from Algeria and Fatma from Heinrich Böll Stiftung Tunisia contributed to the meeting with their country-specific reports. Haklara Destek organizations Women’s State of Solidarity Association (Dayanışmanın Kadın Hali Derneği), Women’s Time Association (Kadın Zamanı Derneği), Katre Women’s Consultation and Solidarity Association (Katre Kadın Danışma ve Dayanışma Derneği), Kırkayak Culture, Art and Nature Association (Kırkayak Kültür Sanat ve Doğa Derneği), Mardin Joint Women’s Cooperation Association (Mardin Ortak Kadın İşbirliği Derneği), Emancipatory Individuals Association (Özgürlükçü Bireyler Derneği)and Rosa Women’s Association (Rosa Kadın Derneği) also attended the meeting. We Will Stop Femicide Platform, Women’s Solidarity Foundation (Kadınlarla Dayanışma Vakfı), and Havle Women’s Association (Havle Kadın Derneği) also accepted our invitation and contributed to the meeting.
We would like to thank all the organizations that participated in the network meeting for their valuable comments and contributions. You can read about the details of the meeting here.
Exprience Sharing Meetings
We held the 9th and 10th experience-sharing meetings, where Haklara Destek organizations shared “best practices” related to their work, on May 9 and June 27, respectively. We will resume the meetings in September after a two-month break.
During the meeting on May 9, Deep Poverty Network (Derin Yoksulluk Ağı), Mardin Joint Women’s Cooperation Association (Mardin Ortak Kadın İşbirliği Derneği, Mokid), Colorful Hopes Association (Rengarenk Umutlar Derneği, Rumud) and Sulukule Volunteers Association (Sulukule Gönüllüleri Derneği) shared their experiences. In this meeting, we listened to the activities carried out by the organizations on nutrition and food aid. On June 27, Non-Violence Center (Şiddetsizlik Merkezi), Hevi LGBTI+ (Hevi LGBTİ+), and Solidarity Network for Human Rights Defenders (İnsan Hakları Savunucuları Dayanışma Ağı, İHSDA) shared their experiences on organizational well-being.
Happy Pride Week!
Social Policies, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (Sosyal Politika, Cinsiyet Kimliği ve Cinsel Yönelim Çalışmaları Derneği, SPoD): “We draw strength from each other and try to reach out to as many people as we can. We are proud of our lives, our friends, our bodies, and our loved ones. We know that we deserve better, and we strive to get what we deserve. In this month of pride, we say to all LGBTI+ individuals and their friends who stand proudly by their side, #KendindenAyırmaBeni.”
News from Haklara Destek organizations
Altyazı Cinema Association (Altyazı Sinema Derneği), published the May 2024 issue of their newsletter Free Cinema (Özgür Sinema). Additionally, “Seen Unseen: An Anthology of (Auto)Censorship”, which consists of videos from the new series of Altyazı Fasikül, was presented to the audience for the first time at Documentarist 17th Istanbul Documentary Days.
Cultural Research Center for Peace (Barış için Kültürel Araştırmalar Derneği, bakad), completed the volunteer training for the Diyarbakır-based LGBTI+ consultation helpline which will be operational on July 2024. Starting July 1, the LGBTI+ consultation helpline will offer peer counseling and support to say, “You are neither alone nor wrong,” against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
On May 16, Women’s State of Solidarity Association (Dayanışmanın Kadın Hali Derneği, DAKAHDER) participated in the meeting organized in Istanbul by The Mediterranean Women’s Fund as part of “Feminists in Action”. The meeting focused on the current state of feminist movement in Turkey. In May, the association also initiated the project “Strengthening the Rights of Women and LGBTI+s in Politics”. The project’s aim is to strengthen the connection and communication between the Parliament and the society to promote gender equality.
Denizli Autism Association (Denizli Otizm Derneği) shared their experiences on being part of international networks based on their participation in the Autism Europe general assembly on DOD’s Window on May 29. In addition, on June 11, Dudu Karaman Dinç, the general secretary of the association, participated as a speaker in the “Advocacy through Communication for Civil Society Organizations” meeting organized within the scope of the project “We Grow Stronger Together Against Discrimination”.
The Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (Dicle Fırat Gazeteciler Derneği, DFG) published its monthly reports titled “Right Violations against Journalists” for May and June 2024. Free Press Unlimited also published an article on the criminalization of Dicle Müftüoğlu’s journalistic activities.
Minus 25 Association (Eksi 25 Derneği) organized the “Prevention of Violence against Children” training, which was the first of the 9th Youth Group trainings conducted with the support of Haklara Destek.
Association of Barrier-Free Access (Engelsiz Erişim Derneği) will organize the 11th White Cane and Accessibility Festival at Istanbul University on October 11-12, 2024, with the motto #ChooseInclusivityandTakeAction (#KapsayıcılığıSeçHareketeGeç). Individuals and organizations wishing to set up a stand at the festival can fill out the request form here. The campaign against the regulation that requires the signatures of blind individuals to be validated in the presence of two witnesses during notarial procedures, which the Union of Notaries of Turkey applies to literate blind people in violation of the law, has been successful. As a result of this campaign, also led by the association, the regulation was canceled. Additionally, the 124th issue of the magazine Equal Accessible Barrier-Free Life (Eşit Erişilebilir Engelsiz Hayat, EEEH), the publication of the association, has been published.
Association for Migration Research (Göç Araştırmalar Derneği) published the report titled “Migration and Urban Relations in Istanbul Districts.” Applications for the GAR Migration summer camp, to be held at Nesin Mathematics Village in September, are ongoing. You can find the details and the application form here. On June 20, World Refugee Day, a special report titled “Çoklu Kıskaç Altında: Göçmen ve Mülteci Kadınların Sorunları Üzerine Güncel Bir Değerlendirme” was released.
Migration and Humanitarian Aid Foundation (Göç ve İnsani Yardım Vakfı, GİYAV) organized activities with children in their mother tongue as part of the Kurdish Language Festival on May 15. On June 4, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, a “Joint Statement for Children Who Died in International Conflicts” was issued by many organizations from Diyarbakır. On June 8, the theater play “Rainbow Tale” was staged with the active participation of children in the rehearsal process. Additionally, on the same day, the organization hosted an event where artwork created during the children’s art workshop was exhibited.
HEVI LGBTI+ Association (HEVİ LGBTİ+ Derneği) followed the 40th hearing of Ahmet Yıldız’s case held at the 5th High Criminal Court of the Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse on June 27. Ahmet Yıldız was murdered in 2008 as a result of a homophobic hate crime. The next hearing of the case has been postponed to April 17, 2025.
Human Rights Association (İnsan Hakları Derneği, İHD) published the statement “Gezi was a Democratic Action!” on the 11th anniversary of Gezi. On June 1, IHD released the report “Monitoring Rights in Turkey’s Prisons 2023”. On June 28, during Pride Week, IHD issued a statement on the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, addressing issues of hate speech, targeting people, and detentions. You can find other statements made by IHD in May and June here.
İsmail Beşikçi Foundation (İsmail Beşikçi Vakfı, İBV) organized a talk titled “Dîroka Muzîka Kurdî” on May 25, featuring Mahmut Begik and Berzan Kılıçarslan, and moderated by Mehmet Ermiş, at its Diyarbakır office. On June 8, the foundation held another talk titled “Kurds on the Path of Ali: Goran, Khorasan, Anatolia.” Applications for the spring semester of the İsmail Beşikçi Academy have been completed, and the program will start in July.
Katre Women’s Counseling and Solidarity Association (Katre Kadın Danışma ve Dayanışma Derneği) conducted research between August 2023 and April 2024 within the scope of the project of Combating Child, Early, and Forced marriages in Erzincan. This research was carried out with the funding support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Civil Society Development Center (STGM). The research report has been published.
Kırkayak Culture, Art, and Nature Association (Kırkayak Kültür Sanat ve Doğa Derneği) Kitchen-Matbakh Workshop organized the 7th “Kitchen and Gender” workshop on May 25-26, featuring academics, researchers, and NGO representatives.
Komeleya Kurdi (Kürt Araştırmaları Derneği) celebrated the Kurdish Language Day on May 15 at the Mesopotamia Cultural Center. On June 4, civil society organizations, including Komeleya Kurdi, issued a press statement regarding the appointed trustee to Hakkari Municipality. Additionally, applications for the Kurdish summer workshops, which began on July 1, were completed in June.
Association of Families and Friends of LGBTI+ in Turkey (LGBTI+ Aileleri ve Yakınları Derneği, LISTAG) launched the “Open Mic for Families” series to share real stories of LGBTI+ families. This initiative aims to foster understanding and support within the community and raise awareness in society.
In May, Mordem Art and Ecological Life Association (Mordem Sanat ve Ekolojik Yaşam Derneği, Mordem) organized play performances for 430 children aged 6-13 and a puppet-making workshop with 97 children. These workshops, held at Hürriyet Primary School in Adıyaman during the Bir Bir Birada Children’s Festival as part of the 8th Nota project, were supported by the Consulate General of the Netherlands on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the friendship treaty between the Netherlands and Turkey. Additionally, within the scope of the 8th Nota project, promoting an alternative development/therapy for children who develop mildly differently and experience the traumatic effects of the earthquake, play performances and puppet-making workshops were organized for Arya Rehabilitation and DMA Rehabilitation students in Diyarbakır during the Disability Week in Diyarbakır. As of July, the “trainer trainings” organized within the project will provide workshop methods that participants working in the field can utilize in their work. The closing event for ACT-Artistic Freedom and Children and Youth Perspective on Art in Turkey, organized by Kadir Has University, K2 Contemporary Art Center, and Unga Klara as part of the Creative Force Program of the Swedish Institute, was held in Istanbul on May 25-26. This event marked the culmination of a 2-year project, during which three different youth plays produced by young people in Diyarbakır and Istanbul were staged. On June 1, with the support of the EU Delegation to Turkey, the network development meeting for the “Inspiring Change through Art and Culture” project, led by the Uçan Süpürge Foundation in cooperation with Mordem Art, TOBAV, HGG, and KEAN, was organized.
In June, Nirengi Association (Nirengi Derneği) came together with the employees of the Hatay Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate as part of the “Help for Aid Providers - Support for Employees” program. During this meeting, they discussed the concept of trauma, its effects on aid providers, and various coping methods.
Pink Life LGBTI+ Solidarity Association (Pembe Hayat LGBTİ+ Dayanışma Derneği) shared news, press releases, and announcements about the marches and events held in various cities across Turkey during Pride Month.
Roman Youth Association (Roma Gençlik Derneği), in cooperation with the Municipality of Edirne, opened in May the Romacted Children’s House as part of a project supported by the European Union Roma Education Fund.
On May 3, Rosa Women’s Association (Rosa Kadın Derneği) participated in a press statement in Diyarbakır for World Press Freedom Day. On May 4, with the participation of Dr. Sabire Aygün from the Diyarbakır Medical Chamber, the association came together with women to discuss women’s health, reproductive health, and sexual health. On May 6, the fourth episode of the Worthy of Recording (Kayda Değer) podcast series “Dengbêjlikle Özgürleşen Kadın” (Women Liberated by Dengbêjlik), a project in which the association participated, was aired. On May 13, Lawyer Berfin Polat, one of the directors of the association, gave an interview to Jin News about the increasing femicides and special war politics. In May, the association also met with women affected by the earthquake in the Çatalağaç village of Adıyaman and organized a workshop addressing the increasing problems women encounter after the earthquake as well as the challenges women face in accessing support mechanisms. Additionally, the association participated in the 27th Interim Assembly of Women’s Shelters and Solidarity Centers held in Urfa from June 7-9.
Tahir Elçi Foundation (Tahir Elçi Vakfı) organized seminars on advocacy against discrimination in Van on May 18-19. These seminars were aimed at lawyers and trainee lawyers who seek a holistic approach to human rights and democracy as part of the Human Rights Academy.
The Youth Re-autonomy Foundation of Turkey (Türkiye Çocuklara Yeniden Özgürlük Vakfı), with support from the Haklara Destek Program, completed the Rights Monitoring Training for Juvenile Prisoners on May 31 and June 1-2. 28 lawyers working in the field of juvenile justice from various cities including Diyarbakır, Elazığ, İstanbul, İzmir, Mersin, Samsun, and Tekirdağ, as well as Adana, Bursa, and Eskişehir participated in the training. The next step in the project will involve preparing and sharing a monitoring guide.
Van Hearing Impaired People and Their Families Association (Van İşitme Engelliler ve Aileleri Derneği, VİED) met with representatives in Ankara in June as part of the project to strengthen the Disabled Children’s Rights Network.
Yayla (Gola) Culture, Art, and Ecology Association (Yayla (Gola) Kültür, Sanat ve Ekoloji Derneği) published an interview titled “Demir Elma Geographical Indicator” with Borçka Mayor Ercan Orhan and Taner Gökdemir on June 3 as part of the preparatory phase for the Demir Elma Festival. In May, three separate meetings were held before giving a break to the Laz language workshops titled “We Talk on Laz.” On May 2, the Laz Poetry and Music meeting took place, followed by the Traditional Children’s Games and Toys meeting on May 9. The season closing meeting was held on May 23. Additionally, on June 8, the association participated in a forum titled “Ecological Problems Unite Local Resistance” as part of the Documentarist Ecological Documentary Days.
News From Networks
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Platform (Cinsel Sağlık ve Üreme Sağlığı Hakları Platform, CİSÜ) published the CISU Platform Pride Week Special Newsletter.
Deep Poverty Network (Derin Yoksulluk Ağı) continues to advocate for free and healthy school meals in Turkey as part of the International School Meals Coalition and the Turkish School Meal Coalition. In May, as part of this advocacy, the netwrok conducted a pilot study on free school meals at a primary school in the Şişli district of Istanbul, where disadvantaged students are concentrated.
Diyarbakır City Protection and Solidarity Platform (Diyarbakır Kent Koruma ve Dayanışma Platformu) made public the preliminary observation report they prepared after observing and investigating on-site the fires that affected some villages of Çınar (Xana Axpar) and Mazıdağı (Şemrex) districts.
Women’s Platform for Equality (Eşitlik İçin Kadın Platformu, EŞİK) issued a press statement on June 5, highlighting that women’s acquired rights are in danger and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the 9th Judicial Package before it is presented to the Parliament.
“Germany urgently needs to finally allow EU to continue closing gaps on anti-discrimination gaps with racism, xenophobia, LGBTI+ phobia, and sexism on the rise,” statedILGA-Europe, the European Network Against Racism, the European Disability Forum, and Age Platform Europe in a joint open letter to the German government.
On June 5, Solidarity Network for Human Rights Defenders (İnsan Hakları Savunucuları Dayanışma Ağı, İHSDA) issued a statement titled “As Human Rights Defenders, We Will Continue Our Work Under Any Circumstances,” concerning the decision to appoint a trustee to Hakkari Municipality. On June 12, the network released a press statement titled “We Stand by LGBTI+ Rights Defenders Against Torture!” addressing the detention, torture, and ill-treatment of 10 rights defenders who participated in the 4th Eskişehir Pride March.
On May 31, Human Rights Association (İnsan Hakları Derneği), Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (Türkiye İnsan Hakları Vakfı), and Human Rights Section of the Turkish Medical Association (Türk Tabipleri Birliği İnsan Hakları Kolu) issued a joint statement titled “Shut Down the Prisons Where Torture, Ill-Treatment, and Rights Violations Take Place”.
On June 26, the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Human Rights Association Diyarbakır Branch (İnsan Hakları Derneği Diyarbakır Şube), HRFT Diyarbakır Representative Office (TİHV Diyarbakır Temsilciliği), Diyarbakır Bar Association (Diyarbakır Barosu), Diyarbakır Medical Chamber (Diyarbakır Tabip Odası), Lawyers for Freedom Association Amed Branch (ÖHD Amed Şubesi), Rosa Women’s Association (Rosa Kadın Derneği), and Health and Social Services Workers’ Trade Union Diyarbakır Branch (SES Diyarbakır Şube) issued a joint press statement.
Kurdish Studies Network (Tora Xebatên Zimanê Kurdî), in collaboration with Kurdish publishing houses, held a two-day workshop titled “The State of Kurdish Publishing and its Place in the Protection of the Kurdish Language and Advocacy Activities” in Diyarbakır on May 11-12. The second workshop with Kurdish publishing houses is scheduled for July 6-7 at İskender Paşa Mansion in Diyarbakır.
Hafıza Merkezi (Memory Center) Newsletter
You can access the issues of the newsletter in which Hafıza Merkezi shares its announcements and news by clicking here.
