Strategies for Combating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Discussed…

Within the scope of December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities and December 10 World Human Rights Day, an online conference titled “Strategies for Combating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities in the Context of Human Rights” was held by Üsküdar University Human Rights Studies Application and Research Center (İHAMER) and the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey (TİHEK). It was emphasized that individuals with disabilities should have equal rights.

The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı, Director of Üsküdar University Human Rights Studies Application and Research Center (İHAMER). 

Ayşe Begüm Başbozkurt, Assistant Expert at TİHEK, took part as a speaker at the event.

Individuals with disabilities must have equal rights!

In her speech, Başbozkurt first touched upon TİHEK’s legislation, discussing types of discrimination and its grounds. Stating that the concept of disability rights encompasses fundamental human rights such as the right to life, education, and health for individuals with disabilities, Başbozkurt noted that the most comprehensive convention regulating these rights is the ‘International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ within the UN. Başbozkurt stated that the purpose of this convention is for individuals with disabilities to have equal rights without being subjected to discrimination, and also noted that it foresees some principles for equal access to rights. 

They are subjected to discrimination…

Stating that discrimination is the most common situation individuals with disabilities face, Başbozkurt discussed the importance of reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to rights for persons with disabilities, and provided examples.

Awareness activities will continue

At the conference attended by students from Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Faculty of Communication, Prof. Dr. Ebulfez Süleymanlı shared the information that Üsküdar University, in cooperation with TİHEK, will continue its informational and awareness-raising activities in the field of human rights.

The event concluded after participants’ questions were answered.