Turkish Rights Groups Defy Climate of Fear on Human Rights Day

Two leading human rights organizations in Turkey have issued a strong public call for peace and democracy. They spoke out on December 10, which is International Human Rights Day. Representatives from the Istanbul branches of the Human Rights Association (İHD) and the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) made a joint statement. They said their groups continue to defend key values despite major challenges. “We insist on defending peace, democracy, and human rights,” the groups declared. They said this stance is a direct response to rising inequality, injustice, poverty, discrimination, and war. The statement serves as a rare public reminder of these principles. It comes from organizations that monitor and report on Turkey's human rights situation.