Roundtable Session on The Role of Fundamental Human Rights in the EU – Turkey Relations
On March 6, 2024, I.D. Bilkent University Human Rights Research Studies and Application Center participated in a roundtable discussion on the role of fundamental rights in the European Union and Turkey relations. The all-women panel consisting of prominent scholars and advocates proved to be extremely fruitful right ahead of 8 March International Women’s Day.
Essay Competition on “Environmental Law, Climate Justice, and Disaster Law”
In alignment with Bilkent University’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and environmental protection, the I.D. Bilkent University Human Rights Research Studies and Application Center, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye Office and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ankara, organized an essay competition on “Environmental Law, Climate Justice, and Disaster Law” from June to September 2023.
The award ceremony was held at Bilkent University, Central Campus, Block-C Amphitheater on October 3, 2023. The top three winners, selected from a robust pool of applications, were honored with certificates and prizes by Prof. Dr. Kürşat Aydoğan, Rector of Bilkent University, Ms. Nathalie Lintvelt, Deputy Ambassador to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Ms. Louisa Vinton, UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative.
This competition aimed to enhance awareness about sustainability, climate change, environmental protection, and the rights of future generations while also encouraging young academics to engage in research on the topic.
PhilFest 2023
İ.D. Bilkent University Center for Human Rights Studies and Research (the HRC) was honored to be a part of PhilFest 2023.
The second Bilkent PhilFest, Turkey’s only large-scale philosophy festival, took place at Bilkent University on Saturday, September 23. Organized by the Department of Philosophy, Bilkent Philosophical Society, Bilkent University Library and the Psychological Counseling and Development Center, the festival aims to bring together philosophy enthusiasts of all ages and to increase interactions between individuals interested in philosophy and publishing houses, associations and communities.
“International Protection and Migration in Turkey Conference” on the 10th Anniversary of Law No. 6458
On April 4, 2023, İ.D. Bilkent University Center for Human Rights Studies and Research (the HRC) hosted the International Protection and Migration in Turkey Conference at Mithat Çoruh Conference Hall.
The conference commemorated the 10th Anniversary of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection bringing together around 200 participants, including scholars, practitioners, and experts working in the field of international protection and migration.
The opening speeches at the conference – led by Prof. Ece Göztepe, Chair, the HRC and Assistant Professor Ayşe Dicle Ergin, Executive Board Member, the HRC – were delivered by our esteemed Rector Prof. Dr. Kürşat Aydoğan; our Law School Dean Prof. Dr. Ece Göztepe; the Head of the Migration Management Department, IOM Turkey, Dr. Tomasso de Cataldo and the Ministry of Interior Türkiye Presidency of Migration Management, Deputy President Dr. Can Ozan Tuncer. The prominent speakers and their respective topics were as follows:
- Migration and Governance: Prof. Dr. Kemal Kirişçi, Mr. Atilla Toros, Prof. Dr. Ahmet İçduygu (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Saime Özçürümez)
- International Protection and Temporary Protection: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lami Bertan Tokuzlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülüm Bayraktaroğlu Özçelik, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Dicle Ergin (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Bilgin Tiryakioğlu)
- Migration: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslı Bayata Canyaş, Assist. Prof. Dr. Neva Övünç Öztürk, Assist. Prof. Dr. Gamze Ovacık, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meltem İneli Ciğer, Ms. Meltem Hamit (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Ece Göztepe)
- Migration and Integration: Prof. Dr. Saime Özçürümez, Dr. Hakkı Onur Arıner, Mr. Meral Açıkgöz, Mr. Yiğit Kader, Mr. Mehmet Ali Küçükçavuş (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Ahmet İçduygu)
Throughout the day, the conference covered a wide range of topics, including migration and governance, international protection and temporary protection, migration and integration, and refugee law. The discussions were thought-provoking and engaging, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, and critical analysis of the current state of international protection and migration in Turkey. İ. D. Bilkent University’s Department of Translation and Interpreting provided invaluable assistance and dedication in providing interpretation services during the conference. The HRC extends its sincere thanks to all the presenters, attendees and volunteers who contributed to the success of the conference.
