164 Human Rights Organizations to Meet in Istanbul in May

“Delegates representing 164 human rights organizations from more than 100 countries will show their support to the ongoing peace process between the Turkish state and PKK. FIDH aims to discuss the issues of pluralism and protection of human rights in the upcoming conference."

International Federation for Human Rights will host its 38th international conference in Istanbul.

Alongside with representatives from Turkey, 164 human rights organizations from more than 100 countries will gather in Istanbul between May 23 and 27 to discuss human rights challenges, Turkey's new constitution and the ongoing peace process on the Kurdish problem.

On May 23-24, a public international forum on "Political Transitions and Human Rights: Experiences and Challenges” will address issues of institutional reforms, challenges to fighting impunity, the negative consequences of economic crises or of globalization on human rights, challenges to women's rights, to freedom of religion, opinion or conscience, and to discrimination against minorities.

On May 25-27, the internal congress of FIDH will enable its 164 member organizations from more than 100 countries, to exchange best practices and define FIDH strategic orientations, as well as elect its international board.

The conference has been promoted at a press conference this morning with the participation of FIDH Chairperson Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH Deputy Chairperson Yusuf Alataş and other local human rights association representatives.

“Turkey sets example on human rights struggle"

"Turkey marks an important example on human human rights struggle during transition to full democracy," FIDH Chairperson Souhayr Belhassen said.

"We find it important to host our conference in Istanbul, especially when freedom of expression issues and the peace process on the Kurdish problem is at stake."  

Expressing her contentment on the ongoing peace process between the Turkish state and PKK, Belhassen said FIDH delegates from all over world will likely to support the process during the conference.  

Belhassen also emphasized on Turkey's new constitution through post-revolution processes across the Middle East, saying that separation of powers, independence of juridical system, protection of basic human rights, and fundamental mechanisms against corruption and bribery should well be instated.

“Human dignity and social rights"

"We observe a rise on homophobia, islamophobia and xenophobia when societies are in a transition period," Belhassen continued. "We are struggling to improve religious, ethical and expression freedoms all over the world. More than 100 human rights activist are currently jailed in Turkey. It brings a lot of criticism. We are going to return to this issue during our conference." (AS/BM)

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