Mine works on the Freedom of Belief Initiative in Turkey (the Initiative). The Initiative aims to advocate for the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) of all and to this end monitors and reports on FoRB related developments in Turkey, prepares policy briefs and engages in national and international advocacy. In addition to this, she is also a member of the OSCE/ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Mine is very passionate about transnational protection of human rights through UN and Council of Europe mechanisms. Her expertise is on Turkey, FoRB and minorities. Her work in the field of religious freedom in Turkey was recognized in 2015 when she became the co-recipient of the Stefanus Prize. Since 2018 Mine has been based in London and Istanbul and continues to work on the Freedom of Belief Initiative project as well as thinking and writing on all FoRB matters, including politics of religious freedom, intersections with women’s rights, minorities and protection of FoRB in conflict situations in academic and non-academic venues. She believes that the combination of research and human rights advocacy is the strength of her work.
I love that the NHC works in complex contexts with expertise and sensitivity.
Dr. Mine Yildirim
“In contexts where there are serious restrictions on FoRB, this is more often than not, part of complex dynamics. Complex situations require long-term engagement. NHC understands this and seeks to be present and try to understand and share knowledge and input. I am also very happy that I can continue to research and write while advocating for human rights,” says Mine.
Before joining the NHC, Mine worked on her doctorate which she completed at AAbo Akademi University in Finland. Her doctoral thesis is on the Collective Dimension of Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Case of Turkey and was published by Routledge in 2017. She has studied for her MA degree on Human Rights and Civil Liberties at Leicester University, UK and BA degree on International Relations at Marmara University in Istanbul.