Human rights issues discussed at South Campus

A forum was organized by the Office of the Ombudsman for Anti-Discrimination and Equality at Istanbul Medipol University on December 10, “World Human Rights Day”. The event held at the South Campus was attended by many academics and students, including Prof. Bekir Berat Özipek, Prof. Ömer Faruk Gençkaya, and Dr. Halime Safiye Atalay from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University, Assoc. Prof. Ayşe Sıla Çehreli from Marmara University, Chair of the Board of Directors at Visionary Women Association (VIKADER) Gülçin Mete, and Ombudsman Expert Gurur Gülce Beşe. The forum discussed current issues such as the history of human rights, regional human rights issues, and women’s rights. Moderating the event and delivering the opening speech, Prof. Ömer Faruk Gençkaya drew attention to the importance of the World Human Rights Day. Prof. Gençkaya said: “In today’s world, a ‘Me’-centered approach is not appropriate because we share a common world. Instead of running away from the problems in the world, we should try to solve them together. It is possible to build a peaceful world.”

METE: 63% OF PALESTINIAN WOMEN ARE DENIED THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION
Gülçin Mete, Chair of the Board of Directors at Visionary Women Association (VIKADER), made a presentation titled “The Situation of Women in Israel’s Palestinian Genocide”. Addressing the systematic violence that Palestinian women face, Mete emphasized that the ‘Great Return March’ that began in 2018 was a courageous resistance by Palestinian women against Israel’s violent policies. Stating that 63% of women in Palestine are deprived of their right to education and 35% of schools have been destroyed, Mete said: “This violence and destruction is being done deliberately by Israel and girls are being targeted. Trying to keep women away from education is a strategic move by Israel to weaken Palestine.”

PROF. ÖZİPEK: STANDING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY REQUIRES PAYING THE PRICE
Prof. Bekir Berat Özipek also drew attention to the recent developments in Syria and said: “Revolutions are the product of a great accumulation. The results of the revolution in Syria are very important. Now, democratic processes, state structure, and constitutional discussions will begin.” Prof. Özipek mentioned the importance of impartiality and moral stance in the Palestinian struggle and said: “Standing on the right side of history requires paying the price. We must take a stance in line with our principles and avoid directing our energy to the wrong channels.”

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