29/02/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
UniKuir Association convened in Istanbul on February 24th and 25th to discuss the expectations of young LGBTI+ individuals from the upcoming local elections.
According to Unikuir’s recent report, a series of activities focusing on the upcoming local elections took place in Istanbul. The event kicked off with a presentation by Halim Kır from the Social Policy, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD), discussing the political participation experience of LGBTI+ individuals in Turkey. Mahmut Şeren, UniKuir’s Political Participation and Advocacy Coordinator, then elaborated on the duties and importance of local governments, outlining the areas where participants could demand action.
In the second part of the event, roundtable meetings were conducted to draft the Declaration on the Demands of Young and University Student LGBTI+s from Local Governments. Moderated by experts, discussions centered on various demands, including protection from discrimination and violence, education and housing, right to participation, sports, culture and arts, health, social services, and the environment. The outcomes of these discussions will be transformed into a declaration to be published on unikuir.org, with similar roundtables planned for Ankara in March.
On the second day, the event continued with the launch of recent activities by UniKuir Association. Representatives from LGBTI+ associations, human rights organizations, consulates, universities, and university communities participated in report presentations. Findings from various reports were shared, covering topics such as legislative analysis, election monitoring, and rights violations against LGBTI+ individuals in universities.
The reports highlighted issues ranging from discriminatory treatment to academic freedom violations, drawing attention to the challenges faced by LGBTI+ individuals in educational settings. Mahmut Şeren concluded the event by presenting the findings of the 2023 Report on Pride Month on Campuses, noting an increase in activities despite intensified oppression and violence.
Tags: human rights, education
