TİHAK's call for the Republic: 'Children's rights, freedom of the press and the will of the people must be protected'

Turkish Human Rights Institution Foundation (TİHAK) emphasized equal citizenship, secularism, freedom and social justice in its statement published on the occasion of Republic Day. It was stated that protecting and developing the achievements of the Republic requires taking responsibility for the human rights violations and democratic regressions experienced today, as well as protecting a historical legacy. In the statement, which was stated to be the fundamental guarantee of human rights of the Republic, it was noted that the education and life rights of children working within the scope of the Vocational Training Center (MESEM), restrictions on freedom of the press and pressures on elected local governments created serious concerns in terms of democracy and the rule of law.

'NO CHILD SHOULD BE CONDEMNED TO EXPLOITATION'

The statement emphasized that children's rights to have a safe childhood and access quality education should be guaranteed, and said, "No child should be condemned to exploitation and dangerous working conditions." While it was stated that journalists should be able to freely fulfill their duties of reporting and informing the public, a call was made regarding local governments: "The will of the people revealed through elections should be respected, and practices that harm local democracy should be stopped."

EMPHASIS ON SECULARISM AND RULE OF LAW

It was stated that human rights are not principles recognized only on paper, but are universal values that must be protected for everyone in all areas of life. It was emphasized that secularism, democracy and the rule of law are the indispensable foundations of an equal and free society. TİHAK called on everyone to protect the fundamental achievements of the Republic and human rights for a country where children's rights are protected, the press is free, democratic will is respected, the rule of law and secularism are guaranteed. The statement ended with the statement: "Defending the Republic means defending human rights. Defending human rights means building an equal, free and democratic future together."