Türkiye Marks Human Rights Day With Pledge to Uphold Fundamental Freedoms

Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer issued a statement on 10 December 2006 to observe International Human Rights Day, reaffirming Türkiye's commitment to protecting and advancing human rights as a core element of national policy.

Sezer noted that the day marks the anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948, a document he described as a foundation of shared values uniting all nations.

The president said respect for human rights is enshrined in Türkiye's constitution, and that the country has pursued wide-ranging reforms consistent with its citizens' democratic aspirations. He called international instruments like the Universal Declaration "valuable contributions" to that ongoing process.

The Universal Declaration holds that all people are equal before the law and entitled to its equal protection without discrimination. The UN designated December 10 as International Human Rights Day in recognition of the declaration's adoption.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in December 2006, in its own words.