President Erdoğan: "The fact that the so-called advocates for human rights continue to remain passive witnesses to the atrocities in Palestine and even provide covert or overt support will go down as a black mark in history."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated the world on December 10, Human Rights Day, marking the 76th anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Stating that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a significant milestone in the struggle for human dignity, President Erdoğan emphasised that the declaration serves as a reminder to the international community of its obligations and serves as a guide for the establishment of global peace and stability.
Pointing out that the Declaration's existence still does not avert gross violations of the most basic rights and a complete disregard for humanitarian values in many parts of the world, President Erdoğan said:
"With the entire world looking on idly, Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories are today among the foremost instances in which the UDHR is being violated. The fact that the so-called advocates for human rights continue to remain passive witnesses to the atrocities in Palestine and even provide covert or overt support will go down as a black mark in history. From the outset, we have deemed it our humanitarian duty as a nation and a state to speak out against the crimes against humanity committed in Palestine. We have supported and will continue to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters to the best of our ability. Gaza and the rest of the Palestinian territories remain the focus of our ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire and lasting peace. It is with immense pleasure that we see a glimmer of hope for peace, stability, and tranquillity in Syria, our neighbour, following 13 years of civil war and more than 60 years of Baathist dictatorship. In supporting the efforts of our Syrian brothers and sisters in the rebuilding of their country, we will provide them with all the necessary resources to establish an encompassing and inclusive administration in Syria."
"Safeguarding the vested rights of humanity is a universal obligation"
President Erdoğan stated that they continue to fight with the same tenacity against cultural racism, Islamophobia, and intolerance—three of the biggest challenges to fundamental rights and freedoms—and continued:
"I would like to seize this occasion to reiterate that those who condone hate crimes and those who attempt to legitimise them are plotting to undermine the collective will of humanity to coexist. Safeguarding the vested rights of humanity and eliminating practices that infringe upon them are universal obligations for all countries. I would like to reaffirm that the very first step in fulfilling this global obligation is to revise the rules-based international system in a way that is more inclusive and fair, and that has no room for double standards. On that note, I hope that Human Rights Day will bring peace, tranquillity, and justice to all of humanity, especially our Palestinian brothers and sisters who have been denied their most basic rights, and extend my best wishes to the entire world on December 10, Human Rights Day, in the presence of our august nation."
Head of Communications Altun's message on "December 10, Human Rights Day"
Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun shared a post on his social media account marking December 10, Human Rights Day.
In his post, Head of Communications Altun stated:
"December 10, Human Rights Day, is a universal reminder of the principles of justice, equality, and freedom, reflecting the collective conscience of humanity. This journey, which began with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has taught us that every individual has the right to a dignified life and should not be subjected to any form of discrimination.
Today, it is our shared responsibility to be the voice of millions of people around the world still fighting against war, oppression, poverty, and discrimination, and to strengthen the struggle for human rights. Especially the access of refugees, war victims, and vulnerable segments of society to their fundamental rights is one of the most crucial steps that must be taken for humanity.
Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has taken on a pioneering role in the fight for human rights by standing alongside the oppressed and courageously addressing the issues overlooked by the international community. Our country continues to set an example for the international community with the policies it pursues based on justice and conscience.
The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza has become one of the greatest tragedies in recent history, leaving a lasting mark in our memories. Israel will be held accountable for these atrocities sooner or later.
We commemorate with mercy the Palestinians who lost their lives in Israel's genocide in Gaza and condemn this genocide that has taken its place in the shameful pages of history.
On this meaningful day, with the goal of creating a world where everyone equally benefits from fundamental rights and freedoms, our determination to produce policies based on human rights will continue until the voices of all the oppressed in our near and distant geographies are heard. We will continue to fight to build a future that upholds human dignity and defends justice and peace."