Ankara: The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being trampled on in conflicts across the region, said Trkiye's president on Monday. Marking the 77th anniversary of the declaration, Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted ongoing conflicts that have gravely violated fundamental rights, especially the right to life.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and the toppled Baath regime in Syria, noting the international community's failure to act in both instances. "Israel's war crimes and acts of genocide committed recklessly in Gaza for two years, in full view of the entire world, are the clearest evidence of this," he stated after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara. Erdogan emphasized that Trkiye is committed to pursuing "peace- and justice-oriented" policies in conflict-affected regions.
Erdogan further elaborated on Trkiye's humanitarian efforts, stating, "Trkiye, with its state and people, has taught the world a lesson in human rights through its peace- and justice-oriented efforts in Gaza, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, in short, in all regions soaked in blood and tears."
In discussing Trkiye's international relations, Erdogan mentioned his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Ankara. He expressed Trkiye's aim to increase its trade volume with Hungary from nearly $6 billion to $10 billion. Erdogan also praised Hungary's contributions to the Organization of Turkic States, referencing a 2025 meeting in Budapest as the first Turkic World Summit to be held within the EU.
Erdogan highlighted Trkiye's compliance rate with European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings, which stands at 90%, surpassing the Council of Europe average. He pointed out double standards toward Trkiye and reiterated his dedication to strengthening the country's justice system. Erdogan criticized those who remain silent on other countries failing to implement ECHR rulings, while unfairly criticizing Trkiye.
"We see that those who harshly criticize Trkiye on this issue remain silent about many countries that have failed to implement ECHR rulings for years. These same circles also show no reaction to the fact that Israel, which has killed 270 journalists in the Gaza genocide, ranks ahead of Trkiye and Palestine in the so-called Press Freedom Index. They see no problem or contradiction in this distorted picture. Yet when it comes to Trkiye, fairness disappears, objectivity collapses, and ideological blinders replace impartiality. We will, of course, not pay heed to this. We will continue with determination to strengthen our justice system," Erdogan concluded.