During the event, key issues such as journalism in exile and the human rights violations experienced by individuals affected by KHK decrees were discussed. Özarslan highlighted that courage is one of the most essential elements in sustaining journalism under such difficult conditions. She emphasized that the struggle must continue until unlawfulness and injustices come to an end.

One of the most striking moments of the talk was the reminder of the voices that continue to seek justice. Victims of rights violations, sick detainees, dismissed military students, and those affected by KHK decrees are reaching out, asking a powerful and direct question:

“Are you doing anything for us?”

This question resonated deeply with the audience, underlining the responsibility carried by those who advocate for human rights.

Another important takeaway from the event was the impact of sensitivity and action. It became evident that even small efforts, when carried out with sincerity and persistence, can create meaningful change in people’s lives.

The event was coordinated on behalf of AST by Aslıhan Kaş, who concluded with a powerful message:

“For me, the most important takeaway from this talk was this: in the struggle for human rights, continuity is just as vital as courage. Not remaining silent and taking responsibility is in all of our hands.
This struggle is a shared responsibility for all of us.”

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We are very proud to share that AST organized and contributed to three important panels during the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York held between March 9 and 20, 2026.

The first event, the panel on “Authoritarian Power and Women’s Bodies,” was held on March 16 and organized by AST.

Moderated by Dr. Hafza Girdap, AST spokesperson and Assistant Professor at Hofstra University, this event addressed how authoritarian regimes deploy control over women’s bodies as a mechanism of political power. Discussions highlighted the transnational nature of gender-based violence and emphasized the urgent need for collective resistance and global solidarity.

Speakers included Sevinç Özarslan, exiled Turkish journalist; Rachel Miner, CEO of Bellwether International; Professor Manisha Desai, Stony Brook University; Dr. Shilan Fuad Hussain, Marie Curie Fellow; and Cindy Morris, Co-founder of Women Who Change the World. Each panelist contributed critical insights on structural violence, survivor advocacy, and feminist resistance.

Selected Speaker Remarks

Rachel Miner, CEO, Bellwether International: Rachel Miner emphasized that genocide is a predictable human rights violation that disproportionately targets women, highlighting the importance of trauma-healing practices that center women’s lived experiences and are implemented by locally trained practitioners.

Dr. Shilan Fuad Hussain, Marie Curie Fellow: Dr. Shilan Fuad Hussain stressed that ending gender-based oppression requires naming interconnected practices—what she terms the “Patriarchal Trifecta”—and addressing them through coordinated educational, economic, and judicial empowerment.

Cindy Morris, Co-founder, Women Who Change the World: Cindy Morris underscored that restoring women’s agency through collective efficacy and a liberation mindset is essential to advancing and sustaining women’s rights.

Professor Manisha Desai, Executive Director, Center for Changing Systems of Power, Stony Brook University: Professor Manisha Desai highlighted the global rise of ethnonationalist ideologies such as Hindutva and called for cross-religious, multiracial coalitions to challenge transnational fundamentalisms and supremacies.

Sevinç Özarslan, Exiled Turkish Journalist: Sevinç Özarslan drew attention to the silencing of women and ongoing systemic abuses in Turkey, urging the international community to confront and act against widespread violations of women’s rights and dignity.

Dr. Hafza Girdap: Dr. Hafza Girdap concluded by emphasizing the transnational nature of authoritarian gendered oppression and the urgent need for sustained, visible advocacy and collective resistance to uphold human dignity.

The second event, “Bibliotherapy for Youth,” was held on March 9 and organized by Set Them Free in collaboration with AST.

Moderated by AST’s Criminal Justice and Human Rights Researcher, Ebru Kaya, this session showcased evidence-informed perspectives and lived practices from clinicians and youth participants who have integrated literature into mental health and justice education programs. Speakers included clinical psychologist Melike Güray and UN Youth Project participants Zunera Haider (Hofstra University), as well as high school juniors and seniors from Canada and the United States: Mehtap Guven, Yusuf Kaval, Ishak Alan, and Semra Erkisi.

Young advocates reflected on how reading, storytelling, and dialogue can support young people’s mental well-being and help them better understand gender equality and justice. Their discussion highlighted how stories can build empathy, awareness, and confidence, particularly among youth.

The final event, the panel titled “Women, Justice, and the State,” was held on March 11 and organized by Sociologists for Women in Society.

AST spokesperson and Hofstra University professor Dr. Hafza Girdap participated in this panel as a speaker, highlighting the experiences of Yazidi women. The discussion focused on how violence, stigma, and legal systems shape women’s lives and identities, and why it is critical to continue raising awareness at the international level.

The AST delegation, along with UN diplomats and global speakers, also participated in a networking reception organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF).

We thank all of you for your continued support. Your commitment helps us bring these important issues to international platforms.

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During the summit, AST spokesperson Dr. Hafza Girdap and Arbana Xharra further discussed these issues with fellow speakers, including Nazila Ghanea, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Turkey currently appears on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Special Watch List (SWL) due to recommendations citing its engagement in or tolerance of severe violations of religious freedom.

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Highlighting initiatives such as mentoring youth in advocacy programs and integrating academic research with AST’s grassroots and empowerment work, Dr. Girdap also cultivated new collaborative connections at the conference. These emerging partnerships will help further strengthen the ties between AST’s justice-focused initiatives and academic programs.

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The panels served as platforms for the youth team to share their insights on the challenges faced by marginalized communities not only in their own communities and home countries but also in many other conflict and poverty-affected regions. From addressing the disproportionate impact of oppression, war and displacement on women to analyzing systemic barriers in healthcare access, the discussions aimed to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire collective action.

By creating these opportunities, we aim to empower the next generation of advocates, equipping them with the tools and experience needed to lead future efforts in human rights and social justice. We are deeply inspired by their dedication and grateful for the support that makes such initiatives possible. Together, we continue to work toward a more just and equitable world.

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The Freedom Convention Turkey 2023 will also underline the crucial role of international entities in addressing the ongoing human rights violations. The experts will explore the impact and potential of utilizing ECHR mechanisms and the avenues provided by the United Nations to bring about meaningful change.

On the Human Rights Day, December 10th, FC Turkey’23 will seek to foster a better understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing Turkey and present strategies to effectively engage with the international human rights community to amplify our collective voice and advocate for those silenced by oppressive regimes.

PANEL I: TURKEY IN CRISIS: DEMOCRATIC BACKSLIDE AND TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION

The Freedom Convention’s first panel titled “Law, Rights, and Authoritarianism” aims to shed light on critical issues that have garnered international attention. The collapse of the rule of law, characterized by a dwindling independence of the judiciary, serves as a focal point of discussion. Through expert discussions, participants will explore how the foundations of justice and democracy in the country have been eroded. The abuse of antiterror laws and transnational repression often criticized for their broad application, will also be scrutinized for their impact on individual rights and freedoms.

PANEL II: TURKEY’S INTERNATIONAL LAW COMPLIANCE: SPOTLIGHT ON ECHR AND UN DEVELOPMENTS

The Freedom Convention’s second panel will emphasize the vital role of global organizations and collaborative endeavors in upholding universal human rights and pursuing justice. This panel will underline the crucial role of international entities in addressing the ongoing human rights violations. At the forefront is the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), a critical avenue for seeking justice and holding human rights violators accountable. The discussion will explore the impact and potential of utilizing ECHR mechanisms probing the latest Yalcinkaya ruling to bring about meaningful change and protect the rights of individuals who have faced unjust treatment.

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During the program, several individuals and their stories were highlighted:

• Prof. Sabri Çolak, who was arrested due to his involvement in the documentary “Traces from the Past” aired on the now-closed Irmak TV.
• Fatma Görmez, a former elementary school teacher who lost her job due to a government decree (KHK). She underwent two heart surgeries due to the stress and hardships her family endured. Tragically, she lost her 14-year-old son while her husband was in prison and eventually passed away, weighing only 29 kilograms.
• Veysel Atasoy, a 22-year veteran police officer who contracted COVID-19. He was transferred to the hospital late and spent 35 days with his hands cuffed to the bed. Shockingly, his family was not allowed to view his body after his death.
• Hatice Akçabay, a teacher who lost her life along with her three children in Meriç. Her body was found embracing her young son, Bekir Aras.
• Yusuf Bekmezci, an 82-year-old philanthropic businessman, experienced a heart attack during cataract surgery. His family was denied access, and despite appeals for his release, he passed away in intensive care.

The program also remembered numerous other individuals, including Sabri Çolak, Ali Ayverdi, Bahadır Odabaşı, Ali Bayram Hoca, Cemal Uşşak, Halil Şimşek, Uğur Abdurrezzak, and more.

Zekiye Ataç, who sent a video message to the program, expressed her feelings: “When Ahmet was ill, I prayed fervently, ‘Oh God, let Ahmet recover and travel the whole world.’ Little did I know that my prayers would be answered in such a way. Today, he is not only free from his pain but also sharing his innocence with the world.”

Tarık Atasoy, the son of the late police officer Veysel Atasoy, who joined the program from Seattle, shared his perspective: “Every morning, I ask myself, ‘What have you done today, Tarık, to advocate for your father’s innocence?’ If I haven’t done enough, I feel a deep sense of responsibility. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

As part of the program, handmade embroideries, jewelry, and paintings created by inmates in prisons were auctioned. The proceeds will be used to continue the “We Haven’t Forgotten, We Will Not Forget” book series, which tells the stories of the deceased individuals by name.

Taylor Qualls, a therapist and musician from Kansas City who participated in the program, stated, “I empathize with those who have experienced this pain. They are now my friends, and I’m determined to amplify their voices worldwide.”

Bailey Hughes, an AST volunteer from Rochester, New York, emotionally recounted the story of Cemile Çağırga, a Kurdish child tragically shot in the street and left on her mother’s chest for three hours before being stored in a freezer because she couldn’t be buried.

AST Vice President Sait Önal conveyed the organization’s commitment: “People are not forgotten after their passing. As long as we continue to remember them, they remain a part of our lives. As AST, we will persist in our efforts to ensure that these losses are not forgotten and their innocence is upheld.”

Between 2016 and 2022, a concerning number of individuals lost their lives due to human rights violations:

• 473 people succumbed to grief, stress, and illness.
• 125 people passed away in prisons.
• 92 individuals took their own lives.
• 36 people lost their lives while attempting to escape persecution in their countries by crossing the Meriç and Aegean regions.
• 91 people died in traffic accidents while visiting relatives in prisons located in different cities.
• 18 people perished in workplace accidents in unfamiliar jobs.
• 7 people lost their lives in police custody.
• 1 person passed away during court proceedings.

Following the deaths of these 21 victims, they were posthumously reinstated in their respective jobs.

As of August 2023, our records indicate that among the 928 victims who lost their lives as a result of the state of emergency (OHAL) and decree laws (KHK), 85 were infants and children.

The program received an outpouring of congratulatory and appreciative messages from attendees and supporters.

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AST, deeply concerned about Turkey’s government’s disregard of human rights, has been organizing The Freedom Convention since 2020. Remarking on the international covenants, of which Turkey is a state party, this year the convention will address the arbitrary deprivation of civil and political rights and crack down on freedom of expression in Turkey.

Participants and experts will also discuss international humanitarian law in today’s world and conflict related abuses including Ukraine case and pushbacks in Greece.

Thus, as a unique event focused on Turkey, Freedom Convention 2022 will bring ongoing violations and persecutions in Turkey to the global attention and provide a platform for strategies and recommendations to end those violations.

Session 1 – Arbitrary Deprivation of Civil and Political Rights in Turkey
December 10, 9-10.30 AM EST

1. Kani Xulam – American Kurdish Information Network – USA
2. Meral Simsek – Journalist & Author – Germany
3. Levent Maziliguney – Lawyer – Turkey
4. Abdullah Demirbas – Politician, Former Mayor of Sur Municipality – Switzerland
5. Mahsuni Karaman – Lawyer – Turkey
6. Katrina Lantos – President, Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice – USA

Session 2 – Crackdown on Freedom of Expression in Turkey
December 10, 11.00 AM -12.30 PM EST

1. Mohamed Shafie – Legal Consultant & Robert Glidden Visiting Professor, Ohio University – South Africa
2. Gokhan Toy – Lawyer, Institute for Diplomacy and Economy – Canada
3. Levent Kenez – Journalist – Sweden
4. Bulent Kenes – Journalist – Sweden

Session 3 – International Humanitarian Law in Today’s World & Conflict Related Abuses
December 10, 1.00 -2.30 PM EST

1. Sideris Anthimos – Lawyer – Greece
2. Lyudmyla Kozlovska – President, Open Dialogue Foundation – Belgium
3. Tony Pillay – Director, Law Society of South Africa – South Africa
4. Vonya Womack – Director, Refugees Unknown Stories Untold – USA

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As Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST), we are thrilled to announce “The International Solidarity Day for Human Rights” that will be held on June 5, 2022.

This special event aims to draw attention to human rights violations in various parts of the world, particularly in Turkey, and amplify the silent scream of the victims to reach a wider public recognition.

We cordially invite you to this significant forum that will be held at Baymont by Wyndham Hotel, Wayne, NJ on June 5, 2022 at 5pm – 8:30pm.

We would like to extend our deeply heartfelt gratitude in advance for standing by the victims of the persecution during their hard times.

Program Manager & Registration

eda@silencedturkey.org
1 (862) 591 9113

Forum Outline

• 40 instances of suffering, frozen in time like eternal witnesses for the tears of agony, will be exhibited in a Photography Exhibition.
• 10 stands will exhibit the activities and programs of AST which you can learn about, inspire and be a part of.
• The Social Genocide Exhibition fairing the belongings of the victims of human rights violations in Turkey will give you an insight into intense sufferings in Turkey.
• AST will also release the trailer for its first animated movie in this program.
• Along with a mini human rights concert , a live auction will be held with all the proceeds going to those who have been subjected to human rights violations.
• 400 guests including distinguished speakers, lawyers, community leaders, academics, businessman, human rights defenders and activists will gather to be a voice for the voiceless in this unique forum.

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Consisting of three panels, the convention will shed a light on human rights violations in Turkey.

Mark your calendars to hear from exclusive voices on these topics.

Violations of civil and political rights, aspects of dictatorships, stigmatizations and persecution are among the issues that will be touched on in the first panel.

The panelist in the second session will discuss enforced disappearances, ill-treatment and torture in custody and detention, elderly and sick inmates’ situations in Turkey’s jails.

In the last session of the convention, speakers will talk about ethnic-based discrimination, gender-based oppression, Turkey’s Syria policies & more.

Speakers:

• David Phillips
• Emre Turkut
• Arbana Xharra
• Dr Kemal Sahin
• Serdar Celebi
• Despina Syrri
• Anjel Dikme
• Cynthia Butler
• Arat Baris
• Ruth Ben-Ghiat
• Barbaros Sansal
• Meltem Arikan
• Yasemin Mamaloglu
• Busra Sarac
• Mfana Gwala

Panel 1:

Panel 2:

Panel 3:

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