20/03/2023 | Writer: Selma Koçak

People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Ankara MP Filiz Kerestecioğlu brought the experiences of earthquake survivor LGBTI+s to the agenda of the Parliament.

HDP MP Kerestecioğlu: LGBTI+s face discrimination even during a disaster Kaos GL - News Portal for LGBTI+

People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Ankara MP Filiz Kerestecioğlu took the floor in the Parliament regarding establishing the Archeology Foundation. Criticizing the discussion on the foundation, which is planned to be established in Antep and Fatma Şahin is thought out to be a member of it, itself, Kerestecioğlu said:

“Thousands of our citizens lost their lives due to the earthquake. There are thousands of problems, particularly housing. We are talking about the establishment of an Archeology Foundation instead of getting a handle on our problems.”

Emphasizing that Şahin should be called to account first of all, Kerestecioğlu talked about the experiences in the earthquake region. Stating that the needs of women take place at the bottom of the list, Kerestecioğlu drew attention to the increasing discrimination with the following phrases:

“Unfortunately, LGBTI+s, just like refugees, also faced discrimination during and after the disaster. In the first days, they were not even allowed in the areas where they could access aid. And when this information was disseminated, they even hesitated to ask for help. LGBTI+s, who had been pointed out as a target for a long time, earlier on the earthquake, tell that they barely accessed drinking water and food and they could not access collective shelter areas in the first three days of the earthquake. I talked them this morning. LGBTI+s residing in the earthquake region, told that they could not enter the places created by the official institutions and municipalities in order to supply food support, and they face discriminatory attitudes if they go. They cannot ensure their own safety in the region. And as for the LGBTI+s moving to other cities, they need to find a house and a job.”


Tags: human rights
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