New York, December 11, 2024 — Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) hosted the highly impactful Freedom Convention Turkey 2024 on December 10, a virtual gathering that brought together human rights advocates, policy experts, scholars, and victims of systemic oppression to amplify voices against Turkey’s ongoing human rights violations. The event, hailed as a significant step in the global call for justice, democracy, and accountability, underscored the urgent need for international action to address Turkey’s authoritarian policies.
Panels Address Repression, Economic Decline, and Human Rights Abuses
The convention featured two key panel discussions that dissected the political and economic challenges in Turkey:
Panel I: Turkey’s Domestic and Transnational Repression Alongside Aggressive Foreign Policy
Experts analyzed Turkey’s authoritarian drift, exploring the systematic erosion of judicial independence, the suppression of dissent, and divisions within opposition and advocacy groups. Panelists called for stronger international mechanisms to counter repression and protect fundamental freedoms.
Panel II: Eroding Freedoms and Economic Instability in Turkey
This session examined the intersection of collapsing democratic institutions and economic decline, highlighting the toll of political purges, corruption, and financial instability on marginalized groups. Discussions focused on the urgent need for democratic reforms to foster economic recovery.
Personal Testimonies Highlight Human Toll of Oppression
The event featured powerful testimonies from individuals directly impacted by Turkey’s oppressive policies:
- Gülcan Diril, daughter of enforced disappearance victims Şimuni and Hurmüz Diril, shared her family’s harrowing journey and the lack of justice surrounding her parents’ fate. “We’ve been cast into an abyss between death and loss,” she said, vowing to continue seeking accountability.
- Tarık Toros, a journalist, shed light on the collapse of press freedom in Turkey, emphasizing the vital role of international solidarity in restoring justice.
- Vonya Womack, Executive Director of RUSU, described the plight of over 80,000 political prisoners, including women and children, suffering in overcrowded and inhumane conditions.
- Elodie Tranchez, a human rights expert, exposed Turkey’s transnational repression tactics, with over 100 documented abductions since 2016. She urged the use of UN mechanisms to combat these violations.
Global Call to Action
Hafza Girdap, AST Spokesperson and Program Director, reflected on the convention’s impact:
“The testimonies shared remind us of the strength of those resisting oppression. We must harness this momentum to support victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and advocate for systemic change.”
The event also highlighted systemic corruption and economic instability, with economist Ilhan Dogus and filmmaker Nejla Demirci urging international cooperation to address Turkey’s authoritarianism.
Key Insights from Expert Speakers
The convention featured a wide range of perspectives:
- Michael Polak, Director of Justice Abroad, detailed Turkey’s misuse of anti-terror financing laws to target dissidents abroad.
- Zeliha Ozdogan, an economics professor, discussed the devastating effects of brain drain and corruption on Turkey’s future.
- Lale Demirkazan, a lawyer, shared chilling accounts of pregnant women and mothers imprisoned under inhumane conditions.
- Kari O’rourke, a researcher, warned against the global threat posed by authoritarian practices like those in Turkey.
Next Steps for Advocacy
Recordings of the panels and testimonies, along with actionable resources, will be made available on the AST website. Attendees are encouraged to join ongoing campaigns advocating for freedom, justice, and democracy in Turkey.
The Freedom Convention Turkey 2024 was a poignant reminder of the power of collective action in the fight for human rights. As one speaker noted, “Together, we stand against injustice and work toward a brighter, freer future.”
For more information and resources, visit www.silencedturkey.org or contact help@silencedturkey.org.
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