Ankara: The genocide in which more than 70,000 Gazans have lost their lives is a sign that the values mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been 'severely undermined,' Turkey's president said on Wednesday. "Unfortunately, the atrocities in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories continue, despite all the efforts of the international community," a Communications Directorate statement quoted Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying on Human Rights Day.
According to Anadolu Agency, while congratulating the Turkish nation and all members of the human family on the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Erdogan emphasized the document's role in representing humanity's shared values and achievements. He noted that the declaration maintains its status as a global commitment safeguarding the rights every individual holds by birth. However, Erdogan highlighted that these principles are being violated in many parts of the world, with concepts such as peace and justice losing ground.
Erdogan stressed the shared responsibility of all humanity to rebuild Gaza, which has been devastated. He reiterated that the path to a just and lasting peace in Gaza involves strengthening the ceasefire, established with Turkey's contribution, and implementing a two-state solution. Despite this, he pointed out, Israel continues to disregard law and order, violating the ceasefire with attacks that have resulted in the deaths of at least 370 Palestinians since October 11. He called for increased pressure from the international community to prevent Gaza from being drawn back into conflict.
The Turkish president also addressed Turkey's commitment to peace, dialogue, and human dignity. Erdogan stated that Ankara remains engaged in efforts to halt bloodshed in Sudan and to help restore stability and security in the country. He emphasized the importance of combating cultural racism, hostility against Islam, and xenophobia as vital for upholding the principles of the Declaration.
Erdogan condemned the ignoring of hate crimes and hate speech, the failure to implement necessary measures and sanctions against them, and the encouragement of such acts under the guise of freedom of opinion. "As Turkey, with the strong heritage guided by our history, we will continue to defend human rights and human dignity throughout the world, especially in our heartland and cultural geography, without distinction of language, race or origin, and to contribute at the highest level to global peace and security," Erdogan concluded.