In November 2024, we launched the Advocates for Change – Civil Society Support for Türkiye (AfC) to provide critical support at a time when civic space is under increasing pressure.
We stand with civil society in Türkiye by supporting eight local organisations across the country beyond major cities, tackling the unique challenges they face. Our focus is on strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs), enhancing advocacy efforts, and bridging the funding gap for underfunded initiatives. Through financial support, workshops, and peer learning, we foster collaboration and resilience.
Collective strength: Our partners defending rights
Türkiye’s civil society operates in an environment of growing restrictions, legal and administrative hurdles, and increasing pressure on fundamental rights. Yet, human rights organisations persist in their passion. The strength of AfC comes from our inspiring partners, whose relentless efforts continue to drive change despite the oppression.
Pushing back against gender inequality in rural areas
Following Türkiye’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, women continue to face growing challenges. Yet, YUKADER pushes forward, ensuring women in Hakkari—a remote, rural province—have a say in local decisions. As gender-based violence and discrimination persist, their advocacy and tools support women in breaking systemic barriers and claim their rights, especially in places where their voices are often overlooked.
Women’s voices for a just and lasting peace
The Kurdish community has long faced systemic discrimination, conflict, and the denial of cultural and political rights. The signs of a new “peace process” have emerged, yet its details remain unclear. Based in Diyarbakır, one of the cities most affected by the conflict, DİSA team is eager to ensure young women play a central role in peacebuilding. Through training for young women enhancing skills for participation in peace processes and platforms for discussion like podcasts, they advocate for an enduring and gender-inclusive peace that truly addresses the needs of affected communities.
Women at the frontlines of environmental justice
Across Türkiye, local communities resist environmental destruction to protect their homes, livelihoods and future. Environmental issues disproportionately affect women, yet their voices are often excluded from decision-making. However, Armaş focuses on women’s active role in environmental struggles in the Marmara region, ensuring their voices are integral to grassroots advocacy. By intersecting environmental and gender justice, they work toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Creating safe spaces for LGBTIQ+ communities
In Türkiye, the LGBTIQ+ community faces growing threats from restrictive policies, rising anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric, and inadequate legal protections. Pride events are banned, activists face arrests, a leaked draft proposal endangers fundamental rights, and government’s “Year of the Family” campaign fuels exclusionary narratives. Amid escalating pressures, LGBTIQ+ movement in Türkiye continue to stand up for equality.
Muamma LGBTI+ provides critical support to trans+ individuals through psychosocial and legal counselling, addressing the unique challenges faced during gender transition. Their Peer Counselling Orientation Program encourage trans+ people to become peer counsellors, building sustainable support networks and documenting human rights violations.
Likewise, Free Colours works in Bursa and South Marmara, advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights and providing vital support in a region where discrimination is widespread. They focus on improving access to inclusive social services by training social workers and a digital campaign to combat stigma.
Breaking the cycle of discrimination against Dom, Abdal and Roma communities
Sivil Düşler is dedicated to end the systemic exclusion and discrimination faced by Dom, Abdal, and Roma communities, which have been further intensified by the devastating February 2023 earthquakes. They work in Hatay and Adana to increase the visibility of rights violations, push for inclusion, and end systemic barriers. By strengthening local CSOs and human rights defenders, they fuel a collective push for justice and equality.
Ensuring everyone can access justice
The Association for Access to the Right to a Fair Trial (AYHED) leads the way in defending access to justice in Southeast Türkiye. They raise awareness, provide legal training, and support strategic litigation. Their Human Rights Monitoring Network, spanning multiple cities in East and Southeast Türkiye, is a game-changer—connecting lawyers and CSOs to monitor violations, support victims, and push for legal reforms.
Amplifying the voices of youth through art and expression
In Gaziantep, where economic struggles, gender inequality, and migration issues intersect, Nar Sanat creates spaces where young people can reflect on and express their thoughts on complex social issues through culture and art. By offering workshops, audiovisual programs, and public screenings, they support youth in using art as resistance, amplifying voices often sidelined by official narratives.
Standing in solidarity with civil society in Türkiye
Severe repression, censorship, and legal barriers continue to undermine human rights in Türkiye. Yet, civil society is not just resisting but also shaping the future, fostering inclusive communities, and ensuring human rights remain at the forefront.
Now, more than ever, the international community must stand in solidarity with Türkiye’s civil society. By amplifying their voices, providing sustainable funding, and fostering global alliances, we can support their resilience and ongoing fight for human rights
Together, we can ensure that human rights, equality, and justice prevail!