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English Report
Conference on Anti- Discrimination and Equality on the Way to EU 12 – 13 March 2015 ⎢ Ankara, Turkey Event Report Conference on Anti- Discrimination and Equality on the Way to EU 12 – 13 March 2015 ⎢ Ankara, Turkey Event Report ⎢ 3 Event Report ⎢ 4 This material was published with the assistance of the European Union. The TACSO Project is fully responsible for the content of this publication and the European Union cannot be held liable for opinions stated in the publication. 5 ⎢ Event Report Contents Introduction 9 Day 1: March 12, 2015 9 Opening Remarks 9 Panel 1: International Standards and EU Policies for Anti-Discrimination and Equality Framework Gün Kut- European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) Isabelle Chopin, Network of Legal Experts for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Severine Jacomy Vite, UN Human Rights Thematic Group 10 10 10 11 Panel 2: International Standards and EU Policies for Anti-Discrimination and Equality Framework Istvan Haller, National Council for Combating Discrimination, Romania Ljiljana Loncar, Deputy Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Serbia Feray Salman, Human Rights Joint Platform, Turkey 12 12 12 12 Panel 3: Challenges and Opportunities for CSOs working in Anti-Discrimination and Equality Bjorn van Roozendaal, International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA Europe) Sinan Gökçen, European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) Claire Fernandez, European Network against Racism (ENAR) 14 14 14 14 Open Forum 15 Day 2: March 13, 2015 17 Session A: On Anti-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey Context Panel 1: Policies and Mechanisms for Anti-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey: CSO perspective Feray Salman, Human Rights Joint Platform (İHOP) Sema Kendirci, Turkish Women’s Association, CEDAW Shadow Report Committee Hayriye Kara, Kaos GL Panel 2: Policies and Mechanisms for Non-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey: CSO perspective Yücel Tutal, Roma Rights Forum of Turkey (ROMFO) Didem Tekeli, Human Rights in Mental Health Initiative (RUSİHAK) 17 17 17 17 18 19 19 20 Forum: Thinking of an Equal Future 21 Session B: Regional Network Workshop against Homophobia and Transphobia Session 1: Information by Regional Network Members about Recent Developments: Common Opportunities and Challenges Session 2: State of Play in Network Member Countries on Combatting Anti-Discrimination and Equality Session 3: Developing a Position Paper for the Network and Future Planning 21 22 22 22 Event Report ⎢ 6 Conference Conclusions 23 Annexes 24 Annex 1: Agenda 25 Annex 2: List of participants 28 7 ⎢ Event Report Event Report ⎢ 8 Introduction The Conference “Anti-Discrimination and Equality on the Way to EU” was organized by TACSO-Turkey in cooperation with Kaos GL Association and Human Rights Joint Platform. This conference is organized within the framework of the People to People (P2P) component of the TACSO project, which aims to support civil society in the EU enlargement region. P2P is one of the three strands of the Civil Society Facility and provides an opportunity for CSOs in the countries of Western Balkans and Turkey to expand their knowledge about the activities of EU counterparts, through meetings with European CSOs and the opportunity to network internationally and regionally. Equality and combat against discrimination constitute one of the most important elements in EU accession in the context of political criteria. The Conference was expected to provide opportunities of information and experience sharing by EU institutions and CSOs related to EU standards and mechanisms in equality and combatting discrimination. The primary objective of the Conference was to enhance the awareness of CSOs in equality and combat against discrimination and to strengthen the advocacy role and practice of CSOs in accession countries. Representatives from 94 national and foreign civil society organizations as well as a representative of the relevant government agency participated to the Conference held in Ankara from 12 to 13 March 2015. Day 1: March 12, 2015 Opening Remarks On behalf of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Counsellor Michael A. Rupp, Head of the Section Financial Cooperation, Institution Building and Civil Society delivered the opening speech. Stressing the importance of fundamental values, Rupp pointed out that these fundamental values would ensure equality for all in combatting discrimination, transphobia and homophobia. The EU enlargement process was another issue addressed by Rupp in his speech. Emphasizing the role of civil society in this process, Rupp drew attention to the need to ensure civil society participation and its empowerment. Rupp also made remarks about country progress reports prepared in the context of EU enlargement. Rupp said there is need to promote best practices observed in such areas as the media, defending the rights of minorities, sexual orientation, women’s rights, domestic violence and justice and underlined the importance of cooperation in these areas. Other points that Rupp drew attention included the need to give effect to legislative changes in accession countries in the field of sexual identity and orientation and the role of the media and ombudsman in 9 ⎢ Event Report combatting discrimination. Rupp concluded his speech by pointing out to the importance of sharing experience by experts from different areas, an opportunity provided by the People to People (P2P) programme, as the basis of future partnerships and wished a successful conference. Panel 1: International Standards and EU Policies for Anti-Discrimination and Equality Framework The objective of the first panel in the conference was to take a closer look at standards and policies developed at international and regional levels by anti-discrimination and equality mechanisms and share experiences related to the working of these mechanisms. Speakers in the panel discussion, moderated by Burcu Yeşiladalı from the Human Rights Centre of Bilgi University were Gün Kut from ECRI, Isabelle Chopin from the European Network of Legal Experts for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination and Severine Jacomy Vite from the UN Human Rights Thematic Group. Gün Kut, European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) As the first speaker in the panel, Gün Kut gave information about the role, standards and instruments of the “European Council, European Commission against Racism and Intolerance” as a mechanism to prevent discrimination. Mr. Kut firstly stated that the ECRI Commission had established a mechanism on the basis of the European Convention on Human Rights and its protocols in order to combat racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia and to develop policies that are implementable. Mr. Kut underlined that thematic country reports prepared by the ECRI Commission in the context of combatting discrimination, bringing to the fore the compliance of countries with international norms and instruments and drawing attention to gaps are quite effective. According to Kut the following are especially important in terms of quality and reliability of these reports: Selection of Commission members from among independent experts, not from among government representatives; exclusion of government representatives from the process of preparing country reports; and rather long consultations and observations before finalizing reports. Country reports are of course open to feedback from respective countries and they are made public only upon the completion of feedback process. While concluding, Kut mentioned some fundamental problems also referred to in commission reports. These problems include the long duration of time that has to pass for each country to have her turn given the high number of European Council member countries and shortness of a period of 1 week for visits when it comes to larger countries. Responding to questions raised by participants, Kut said the report on Turkey will be issued the next year. Kut added that the report is of limited content given the geographical size of Turkey and divergent nature of her problems, but it has still references to all major problems. Isabelle Chopin, Network of Legal Experts for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination The second speaker, Isabelle Chopin shared the experience of the European Network of Legal Experts for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. In her presentation Chopin conveyed the outcomes of screening legislation in European countries for monitoring the two fundamental directives of the EU related to discrimination, the “Racial Equality Directive” and the “Directive on Equality in Working Life” that led to the creation of the network. Chopin said efforts were made, under this work, to explore legislative arrangements that are either more comprehensive or limited in comparison to the EU directives also mentioning obstacles to the adaptation of directives and gaps in Event Report ⎢ 10 legislation. Chopin also gave examples to obstacles and gaps including absence of sanctions, missing of equality units, inadequate information about rights and shortness of data and supporting mechanisms. Severine Jacomy Vite, UN Human Rights Thematic Group Severine Jacomy Vite representing the UN Human Rights Thematic Group was the last speaker in the panel. Vite mentioned documents that the UNICEF takes as basis in combatting discrimination and its activities in various areas. Vite made reference to anti-discrimination conventions in the context of the UN, which are the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Convention on the Rights of Persons with 1 Disabilities (CRPD). Vite said their work covers many fields of discrimination including access to education; ethnic, religious and cultural groups; persons with disabilities; HIV positive persons, LGBTI individuals, etc. pointing out to multiplediscrimination, Vite remarked that it is necessary to follow different grounds of discrimination at varying scales. As a present day example, Vite pointed out to xenophobia as a ground of discrimination against refugees and asylum seekers. Vite said the UN has a database containing cross-cutting issues as well; however, Vite continued, information collection is still one of the basic problems faced in combating discrimination and civil society organizations have their critical role to play in eliminating this problem. 1 https://treaties.un.org/pages/Treaties.aspx?id=4 11 ⎢ Event Report Panel 2: International Standards and EU Policies for Anti-Discrimination and Equality Framework The objective of the second panel in the conference was to take a closer look at the experience of Romania as an EU member as IPA countries Serbia and Turkey in the field of combating discrimination and to share experience. Speakers in the panel discussion, moderated by Neslihan Özgüneş, coordinator of TACSO’s People to People (P2P) Programme were Istvan Haller from the Romanian National Council for Combating Discrimination, Ljiljana Loncar as Deputy Commission for the Protection of Equality in Serbia and Feray Salman from the Human Rights Joint Platform in Turkey. Istvan Haller, National Council for Combating Discrimination, Romania The first speaker, Istvan Haller took the rostrum to tell about the experience of Romania’s National Council for Combating Discrimination. Haller started his speech by remarking that discrimination is a prevalent problem in Romania. Haller then gave information about legislative arrangements to combat discrimination in Romania and the experience of National Council as a body against discrimination with its functions and present problems. Haller mentioned the following regarding the qualifications that anti-discrimination units should have: Independence, a qualified composition, having a sufficient budget, a hierarchical structure with specific characteristics, clarity about the relations between unit members and official authorities, existence of a supporting mechanism and capacity to conduct studies and monitoring activities. Haller said, in the case of Romania, the National Council and courts are subject to different pieces of legislation and operate with different mechanisms, which create a rather complicated state of affairs. Nevertheless, there is a domain of exchange of ideas between individual courts and the National Council. Haller added that this structure has its functionality in solving problems. Ljiljana Loncar, Deputy Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Serbia The second speaker was Ljiljana Loncar to relate the experience of Serbia’s Commissioner for the Protection of Equality. Before talking about the experience of the Commission for the Protection of Equality, Loncar started by pointing out to the need for combat against discrimination to cover private spheres as well in the context of its relations with other pieces of legislation. Loncar underlined the need for autonomy and independence as fundamental requirements for a functioning model. According to Loncar, as having its preventive role in combatting discrimination, the ombudsman’s office should be simple and not overwhelmed by detailed procedures to work properly as a mechanism dealing with complaints. Loncar added that the mechanism in Serbia is such that complaints containing relevant information about specific cases can be transmitted by any means including fax or e-mail. Loncar added that the Commissioner is also functional in making suggestions, warning, informing the public and mainstreaming combat against discrimination. Feray Salman, Human Rights Joint Platform, Turkey The last speaker of the session, Feray Salman took the rostrum to give information about the legislation in Turkey, an IPA country, related to combatting discrimination. In her speech Salman touched upon discrimination related legislative arrangements in Turkey, the experience of draft bill on anti-discrimination, discrimination-related European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decisions concerning Turkey and mechanisms existing in Turkey to fight discrimination. Salman first stated that since 2008 they have been working on the law on discrimination with the participation of civil society organizations and, in fact, the first draft by the government was prepared with the participation of civil Event Report ⎢ 12 society and shared with the public. In this period, targets in democratization provided space to these efforts and they raised their demand for the establishment of a unit in charge of discrimination. Salman said the draft bill on discrimination has reappeared as an agenda item recently and touched upon such new mechanisms as the Ombudsman, National Human Rights Institution and the right to individual appeal to Constitutional Court. Salman pointed out to some negative facts in the field including Government’s denial of the right of individual appeal to international mechanisms, maintenance of reservations placed to international conventions and unsatisfactory report card of the country vis á vis the ECHR. 13 ⎢ Event Report Panel 3: Challenges and Opportunities for CSOs working in AntiDiscrimination and Equality The objective of the third panel participated by Bjorn van Roozendaal, Sinan Gökçen and Claire Fernandez and moderated by Burcu Yeşiladalı was to focus on the experience of regional and international civil society organizations engaged in activities against discrimination. Bjorn van Roozendaal, International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA Europe) The first speaker in the panel was Bjorn van Roozendaal to give information about the experience of ILGA Europe. ILGA is an international network created to defend the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex individuals and combat forms of discrimination that there individuals face. The speaker gave information about the experience of ILGA in advocacy and defence of human rights, its working areas and difficulties it faces. According to Roozendaal, facilitating relations with official institutions, documenting crimes of hate and implementing the directives of the European Commission against discrimination in working life are the domain in which the organization is active. The speaker underlined the fact that discrimination against LGBTI individuals is so common and observable in almost every field. While stressing the importance of collective efforts and struggle, Roozendaal said they could not take part in reporting processes, which play a critical role in combat in this field, due to some concerns of people involved. Roozendaal also underlined the types of discrimination that are produced by very persons working in the field of discrimination. Sinan Gökçen, European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) The second speaker in the panel was Sinan Gökçen to give information about the activities of the Budapest-based European Roma Rights Centre established to combat discrimination against the Roma. In his speech Sinan Gökçen gave information about the activities of the centre and form of discrimination that the Roma face. Gökçen said they deliver trainings to various professional groups like judges and journalists under such titles as “Human rights for all” and “Rights of the Roma.” The centre is also engaged in launching strategic legal proceedings as shown in examples given by Gökçen in his speech. According to information given by Gökçen so far they launched over 500 court cases with 2 cases against Turkey in the ECHR of which the case on Sulukule was won. Another activity of the Centre is shadow reporting. The strategic court initiatives of the Centre cover such areas as indemnification, impunity, discrimination in education, forced castration and denial of identity. Claire Fernandez, European Network against Racism (ENAR) The last speaker in the panel was Claire Fernandez to share the experience of the European Network against Racism. Fernandez gave information about their lobbying and advocacy activities, adding that threats to combat against discrimination exist even within the European Parliament since there are parties involved in religious discrimination and xenophobia. Mentioning that differences are not fully reflected in the parliament Fernandez said there were problems in mainstreaming human rights and serious gaps existed in legislation against discrimination. Event Report ⎢ 14 Open Forum The open forum was the last session of the 1st day. In this session, participants expressed what they collected as important points during discussions of the day and raised some issues. Some examples are given below: “In some cases the problem itself is the expression of discrimination. Roma children in Turkey drop out their schools; the reason is not their families, it is the state, discrimination they face and their poor economic circumstances. Teachers regard school in Roma neighbourhoods as places of ‘exile’ and do not attend their classes.” “Education is one of the areas where struggle in particularly intense. There are 135 Dom university graduates and not even one could find a job in either public or private sector. No job. They face discrimination. You can’t expect a child attending his/her school without having shoes to wear.” “While working in our specific areas it appears that cooperation with other areas will open up our minds. Especially in Turkey, we need more information to set up these networks and cooperate. We have trouble in attaining necessary technical capacity and financial capacity needed for it. But above all sharing of experiences is critical and gatherings of this kind are important.” Upon comments by participants, panellist Istvan Haller drew attention to the importance of cooperation by CSOs active in different areas: “In the 90s when we established our network there was no LGBTI or women’s organizations. We need a network including these organizations as well in order to have the legal ground changed. This is my suggestion.” 15 ⎢ Event Report “Presentations tell us about the existence of serious discrimination deeply embedded in minds. I have an overall observation: In our minds there is no human rights concept and culture in Turkey. I know this from our training activities. The problem can be solved only by starting education and training in human rights from childhood. It will be good if we could state this in our declaration or report. Today, there is 1 hour of human rights course in high schools and it is elective. It is far behind other elective courses offered.” Event Report ⎢ 16 Day 2: March 13, 2015 Session A: On Anti-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey Context On the second day of the Conference the focus was on the activities and experiences of Turkish civil society organizations in the field of equality and combatting discrimination. Subject specialists and activities long involved in struggle for rights shared their experiences in human rights, gender equality, LGBTI rights, rights of the Roma and mental health. Panel 1: Policies and Mechanisms for Anti-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey: CSO perspective Hakan Ataman was the moderator of the first session for sharing experiences of civil society organizations and speakers were Feray Salman from the Human Rights Joint Platform, Sema Kendirci from the Turkish Women’s Association and CEDAW Shadow Report Committee and Hayriye Kara from Kaos GL. Feray Salman, Human Rights Joint Platform (İHOP) The first speaker in the panel was İHOP coordinator Feray Salman. Stressing the interwoven nature of the struggle for human rights and combat against discrimination, Salman remarked that failure in developing appropriate mechanisms in eliminating discrimination turns out as causing new human rights violations instead. She said absence of any combat against discrimination yields the result of pushing groups of people out of the system and their further separation from rights and freedoms. In combatting discrimination, relevant universal criteria were taken as basis and organized struggle in Turkey in this area started with the establishment of Human Rights Association in 1986. Salman said mapping of discrimination, violence and torture is among activities that İHOP has been engaged together with various stakeholders. Salman also drew attention to the importance joint work with municipalities and local organizations. Salman also informed participants about the process in which anti-discrimination draft was developed together with civil society organizations. As stated by Salman, stages in the process were as follows: Going over ECHR decisions, analysis of existing legislation related to discrimination, developing the first draft, sharing the draft with CSOs, taking feedback, revisions and meeting with Beşir Atalay, then the Minister of Interior. Pointing out that international human rights standards are the fundamental standards for Turkey, Salman went on saying that Paris principles should be the main reference and guide on how independent bodies should be set up and that public administration is primarily responsible for translating these principles into life. Sema Kendirci, Turkish Women’s Association, CEDAW Shadow Report Committee The second speaker in the panel was Sema Kendirci from the Turkish Women’s Association who shared the experience of the Shadow Report Committee under the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Sema Kendirci shared the experience in the process of preparing CEDAW shadow reports, now seventh of which is in progress, and the position of the government side in this process. Kendirci started her speech by saying that combat against discrimination is critical so long as equality is set as the ultimate target. Under article 90 in particular, international conventions are important in ensuring equality while the presence of various reservations to these conventions reflects the problematic approach adopted by States. 17 ⎢ Event Report Points coming to the fore in Kendirci’s speech are as follows: “The first official CEDAW report was published in 1986. Then, as the struggle of women against violence gained momentum women’s organizations started to prepare thematic shadow reports. Starting from the 4th and 5th official reports, documents became more comprehensive fully including the resolutions of the Beijing Conference. The CEDAW envisages legislative changes geared to eliminating discrimination against women. As to shadow reporting, it reveals, upon the collective work of women’s organizations, the extent to which the State fulfils its responsibilities in this regard while also containing suggestions for solution.” Another point raised by Kendirci was differences between the reports of the State and shadow reporting by CSOs. According to Kendirci, while shadow reports include both negative and positive aspects related to the issue, official reports tend to exaggerate small things as great success and avoid being realistic when it comes to some problematic issues. In her speech Kendirci also touched upon another important instrument that Turkey is a State Party to: İstanbul Convention. She gave information about the process of drafting of and acceding to the convention and problems that emerged in the establishment of the committee of independent experts envisaged by the convention. Kendirci said women’s organizations came across with some difficulties in their relations with the Government. While completing her speech, Kendirci spared some time for the activities of women’s organizations in relation to legislative changes and change in perceptions stressing that the definition of “disadvantaged group” used in legislative arrangements is insufficient and behind relevant international norms. Hayriye Kara, Kaos GL The last speaker in the panel was Hayriye Kara to give information about the experience of the Kaos-GL in defending LGBTI rights. Kara started her speech by stating that ignoring discrimination is a form of reproducing it while also pointing out to the transformative power of combat against discrimination. Kara touched upon “stratified discrimination” as a new concept and its consequences. According to Kara, while discussing discrimination and its consequences cross-cutting points of different types of discrimination are missed together with areas where there is stratified discrimination. Kara assessed legislative arrangements related to discrimination over sexual orientation and identity mentioning that Constitutional Article 10 provides for equality before law without introducing any provision to prevent discrimination between individuals. According to Kara, annex phrases to the legislation mentioned reading “The State takes all relevant measures to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex and these measures cannot be taken as discriminatory” continues by referring in specific to “war veterans, the invalid, needy groups”, which actually exposes the fundamental approach of the State to women’s rights. Kara stressed the problematic content of Article 122 in the Turkish Penal Code prohibiting discrimination. Kara said the article prohibiting discrimination in access to goods and services contains vague expressions like “… and similar situations” while the insertion of the term “prejudice” under the new arrangement made it almost impossible to define any discriminatory act. Another point touched upon by Kara was a novelty included in the recent discrimination draft. This new element was about the burden of proof as an empowering provision, which Kara pointed out to the importance of reversing it. Kara finished by saying discrimination is a widely observed problem against which legislative change would not be sufficient, thus making institutionalization and civil society contribution critical. Event Report ⎢ 18 Panel 2: Policies and Mechanisms for Non-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey: CSO perspective Sharing of civil society experience in equality and combating discrimination continued with experiences of organizations working for Roma rights and psychological health. Yücel Tutal, Roma Rights Forum of Turkey (ROMFO) The first speaker was Yücel Tutal to share the outcomes of the field survey they conducted on behalf of the Roma Rights Forum. Tutal focused on the outcomes of two studies they conducted. The first one was related to the investigation of events breaking out in Selendi and follow up of related court cases. The second one was a mapping work carried out by exploring legal difficulties faced in areas inhabited by Roma citizens. Tutal first touched upon the historical background of discriminatory acts against the Roma and then gave details about how court proceedings are handled in event like that occurred in Selendi. Besides social events like the one in Selendi, the organization is also engaged in court action against discriminatory representation of the Roma in printed and visual media. Reminding that the media usually gives images of the Roma as persons involved in thievery and other offences, vagabonds without any faith etc., Tutal said they initiate legal action in the face of such cases. Tutal continued by giving examples to various types of discrimination that Roma students face in their education including segregation in different classes and lower standard service delivery. Tutal added that the Roma initiative by the government had its positive and negative repercussions; although there is an action plan, there are still problems related to the lack of precise data and budget shortfall. 19 ⎢ Event Report Didem Tekeli, Human Rights in Mental Health Initiative (RUSİHAK) The last speaker of the Conference was Didem Tekeli the RUSİHAK. Tekeli informed the participants about their work related to discrimination faced by persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities under their project supported by EU in scope of FPAs titled “ PERSON-Reform Project for Guaranteeing Support Programmes." Tekeli first pointed out to the difference between medical approach and social inclusion approach from a rightsbased perspective, pointing out to the need that all individuals in a society must be able to share equally all available opportunities and resources. Tekeli noted that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which Turkey is a State Party and its annex optional protocol are insufficient for effective realization of rights also5 pointing out that there are also serious problems of translation relating to some statements existing in the original texts of these instruments. According to Tekeli there may be need for support in the exercise of rights in order to ensure equality and this support must be extended by the State. Referring to the dilemma “legal capacity v. capacity to exercise rights”, Tekeli said the exercise of rights is constricted when legal capacity is constricted by the condition of rational behaviour, and thus the right to make mistake is denied. Tekeli added that this state results in placing many individuals under patronage and leads to denial of the right to have a word on matters affecting these individuals. Tekeli continued: “While the convention says nobody should be under the tutelage of another and each person should have the final word on his/her life, according to existing legislation persons with some diagnosed problems are even denied the right to vote.” Tekeli finally gave information about the campaign “I Will Act” they are going to launch for persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities to help them become the subject of their life and asked for the support of participants. Event Report ⎢ 20 Forum: Thinking of an Equal Future The forum continued with participants’ comments and questions, responses given to these questions and exchanging opinions concerning combat against discrimination. In general, participants stated in this part that different forms of discrimination addressed throughout the conference constituted a new experience for them. Still they stressed the need for civil society participation, its inclusion in policy making processes and taking EU values and principles as basis in combatting discrimination and ensuring equality. Session B: Regional Network Workshop against Homophobia and Transphobia Regional Network Workshop against Homophobia and Transphobia was realized with the participation of LGBTI activists from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Macedonia, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey. In sessions also participated by persons from the Balkans, Middle East, North Africa and Southern Caucasus, the workshop group shared difficulties faced in respective regions and discussions went on ways of eliminating these difficulties. Topics discussed during sessions included the following: Related international standards; European Union policies related to anti-discrimination and equality; and achievements, monitoring activities, threats faced and existing opportunities in the field of combating discrimination on the part of civil society organizations in IPA and EU countries. 21 ⎢ Event Report Session 1: Information by Regional Network Members about Recent Developments: Common Opportunities and Challenges The theme of the 1st session was "Common Opportunities and Challenges" with moderator Yosef Mckyton from the “Israeli Queers for Palestine”. During the session, the absence of any legislative arrangement related to crimes of hate and banning of discrimination is listed among the leading problems. Participants pointed out to differences on regional base: While homosexuality is directly or indirectly prohibited in some regions, equality in marriage is debated in some others. It is stated that despite these differences it is important to build a common ground for combatting homophobia and transphobia and to share relevant experiences. One good example shared in the session by Xheni Karaj from Albania was the experience of the LGBTI shelter launched in Tirana last year. Karaj said these shelters are of critical importance given the prevalence of homophobia, transphobia and crimes of hate adding that they are trying to create spaces where all LGBTI individual feel free and safe. Session 2: State of Play in Network Member Countries on Combatting Anti-Discrimination and Equality In the second session, major threats to the freedom of expression and association of LGBTI individuals were discussed. The session was led by Yıldız Tar with presentations by Ömer Akpınar from Kaos-GL Turkey, Jo Hammoud from Lebanon and Mamikon Hovsepyan from Armenia. Delivering the opening speech of the session, Yıldız Tar gave examples of social opposition experiences in Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt and Greece and pointed out that discrimination and hate crimes constitute a systemic problem. The first speaker, Ömer Akpınar talked about recent social movements in Turkey, ways that the Government resorts to suppress these movements and the threat to the freedom of expression posed by the new security act. Akpınar also gave information about campaigns carried out by the LGBTI during the past local elections and plans for general elections to be held soon. Jo Hammoud presented segments from the experience of Egypt, saying thinking in opposition might lead to loss of life. Expressing that there can be no mention of freedom of expression in Arabian Peninsula, Jo Hammoud stated that the case so far being different in Lebanon is now tried to be reversed by the Government. While giving information about the case in Armenia, Mamikon Hovsepyan remarked that homophobic and transphobic legislation processes in Russia have their impact on Southern Caucasus region as well. Hovsepyan noted that while Georgia has its imprint in the region with her occasional positive legislation under the influence of the EU, religion is still the major influential factor in the region. Hovsepyan also pointed out to the Church as the leader of anti-LGBTI campaigns in Armenia. Hovsepyan finally reminded that 10% of the people of Armenia left the country because of various pressures including those coming from the Church. Session 3: Developing a Position Paper for the Network and Future Planning In the last session moderated by Ezgi Koçak the future of the regional network was discussed. One of the outstanding issues discussed in relation to future were the difficulties that the network confronted. This heading was discussed around the axis to what extent it is possible to stay together and what new organization forms could be. Discussions underlined the need for more effective and productive forms of gathering of regional network with participants from different regions and focused on the question to what extent the network could be kept alive since the last meeting. Event Report ⎢ 22 Another issue discussed during the session was on the possibility of transferring the line to an online platform. Participants considered the possibility of keeping the network going on an online platform and in the form of thematic gatherings. The 6th regional meeting concluded with participants writing “Freedom for all!” on papers in their own language. Conference Conclusions The conference provided a platform for over 90 representatives from civil society and government having their different backgrounds, endowment and experience to share these experiences. There was a unique opportunity to share the features of local level activities and initiatives besides activities carried out at international sand regional levels. While it became clear that discrimination is experienced by different groups and at different levels and as such it set a barrier to accessing rights, the importance of joint struggle and awareness in regard to different forms of discrimination is confirmed. The Conference was empowering for its participants in terms of awareness in forms of discrimination existing in areas other than their respective domains and getting to know about relevant international mechanisms. European organisations working in the field also recognised the need to pay special attention and perhaps adapt strategies for different needs in the IPA region. 23 ⎢ Event Report Annexes Event Report ⎢ 24 Annex 1: Agenda Day 1: 12 March 2015 09:00 - 09:30 Registration and coffee 09:30 - 09:45 Opening Remarks: Michael A. Rupp, Delegation of the European Union to Turkey International Standards and EU Policies for Anti-Discrimination and Equality Framework 09:45 - 10:30 Gün Kut, Council of Europe, European Commission against Racism and Intolerance – ECRI Isabelle Chopin, The European Network of Legal Experts in the Non-discrimination Field Severine Jacomy Vite, UNICEF, UN Human Rights Thematic Group 10:30 - 11:00 Q&A 11:00 - 11:30 Coffee break Policies and Mechanisms related to Anti-Discrimination and Equality in EU Countries and IPA Countries 11:30 - 12:30 Istvan Haller, National Council for Combating Discrimination, Romania Ljiljana Loncar, Deputy Commissioner for Protection of Equality, Serbia Feray Salman, Human Rights Joint Platform, Turkey 12:30 - 13:00 Q&A 13:00 - 14:30 Lunch EU CSOs Experience on development and monitoring of Anti-Discrimination and Equality Policies and Mechanisms 14:30 - 15:30 Björn van Roozendaal, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, ILGA Europe Sinan Gökçen, European Roma Rights Centre - ERRC Claire Fernandez, European Network Against Racism - ENAR 15:30 - 16:00 Q&A 16:00 - 16:30 Coffee break 25 ⎢ Event Report Day 1: 12 March 2015 – contd. Challenges and Opportunities for CSOs working in Anti-Discrimination and Equality 16:30 - 17:30 Open forum 17:30 – 17:45 Closing session 19:30 Dinner at Akdeniz Akdeniz Restaurant Day 2: 13 March 2015 Session A: Anti-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey Context Session in Turkish, translation in English provided 09:00 - 09:30 Registration 09:30 – 10:15 Policies and Mechanisms for Non-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey: CSO perspective Feray Salman, Human Rights Joint Platform Sema Kendirci, CEDAW Shadow Reporting Committee Hayriye Kara, KAOS GL 10:15 – 10:45 Q&A 10:45 - 11:15 Coffee Break 11:15 - 12:10 Policies and Mechanisms for Non-Discrimination and Equality in Turkey: CSO perspective Yücel Tutal, ROMFO Didem Tekeli, RUSIHAK 12:10 - 12:30 Q&A 12:30 - 14:00 Lunch 14:00 - 15:30 Workshop: Designing an Equal Future 15:30 - 16:00 Sharing workshop results 16:00 - 16:15 Closing Event Report ⎢ 26 Day 2: 13 March 2015 – contd. Session B: Regional Network Against Homophobia and Transphobia Workshop (Members only session, Gordion Hotel) 09:30 - 10:00 Registration 10:00 - 12:30 Updates from Regional Network Members: Common Opportunities and Challenges 12:30 - 14:00 Lunch and Networking 14:00 - 15:30 State of Play in Network Member Countries on Combatting Anti-Discrimination and Equality 15:30 - 18:00 Development of Position Paper for the Network and Future Planning 27 ⎢ Event Report Annex 2: List of participants # Name and Surname Organisation Website 1 Yelda Ahmetoğlu ÖZEV Foundation www.ozevvakfi.org 2 İdil Seda Ak Association of Women Disabilities (ENKAD) 3 Mehmet Akın Social Policies, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Studies Association (SPOD) www.spod.org.tr 4 Neşe Akkerman British Embassy Ankara www.gov.uk/government/world/organisa tions/british-embassy-ankara.tr 5 Ayşegül Akyüz Women and Men Together, Socail Equality Association www.kebsed.com 6 Binnur Aloğlu Association for Monitoring Equal Rights www.esithaklar.org 7 Olcay Ziya Altun UNHCR www.unhcr.org.tr 8 Melahat Arıker Başak Culture and Art Association www.basaksanatvakfi.org.tr 9 Melahat Arısoy Başak Culture and Art Association www.basaksanatvakfi.org.tr 10 Cemre Artan Ministry of EU Affairs http://www.ab.gov.tr/ 11 Hicran Atatanır Women Managers and Women Workers Association http://kaycad.org.tr 12 Bülent Avcılar ÖZEV Foundation www.ozevvakfi.org 13 Demet Özkan Baltat Ministry of EU Affairs http://www.ab.gov.tr/ 14 Begüm Başdaş Amnesty International Turkey www.amnesty.org.tr 15 Janset Bay Association for Solidarity Freedom Deprived Juvenile 16 Aydin Bingöl The National Human Institution of Turkey (TİHK) 17 Marcin Brauhoff Delegation of EU to Turkey http://avrupa.info.tr 18 Dicle Çakmak Human Rights Joint Platform (İHOP) www.ihop.org.tr 19 Özge Çaman Public Health Experts Association www.hasuder.org 20 Selena d’Herin Human Rights Agenda Association (İHGD) www.rightsagenda.org 21 Sava Diamendi Romanian Embassy www.roembtr.org 22 Gözde Dilektaşlı Ministry of EU Affairs www.ab.gov.tr 23 Julie N. Eikaas Norwegian Embassy www.norway.org.tr/Embassy 24 Gülcihan Ekinci Turkish Disability Mersin Branch with with Rights Association, www.engellikadin.com/enkad www.ozgeder.org.tr www.tihk.gov.tr www.facebook.com/tsd.mersinsubesi Event Report ⎢ 28 # Name and Surname Organisation 25 Erkan Ekinci (Accompanying) Turkish Disability Mersin Branch 26 Nebilay Erdoğan Ministry of EU Affairs www.ab.gov.tr 27 Aysel Ergün İHuman Rights Joint Platform(IHOP) www.ihop.org.tr 28 Ali Erol Kaos – GL www.kaosgl.org 29 Sinem Ersoy Association for Children Cerebral Palsy (SERÇEV) 30 Amarildo Fecanji Pink Embassy 31 Hacer Foggo European (ERRC) 32 Roberto Frifrini Human Rights Agenda Association (İHGD) 33 Biljana Ginova LGBTI Support Centre (Macedonia) 34 Ayşe Görür Association for Improving Social and Cultural Life 35 Metin Özgür Gücü Mersin Association for People with Physical Disabilities 36 Umut Güner Kaos-GL www.kaosgl.org 37 Erdem Gürsu Pink Black Triangle Associaton www.siyahpembe.org 38 Selahattin Güvenç Mersin Platform for Combating Discrimination www.akdenizgocder.org 39 Joanna Haydun British Embassy Ankara www.british-consulate.org 40 Ali Can Kalan Pink Life www.pembehayat.org 41 Hatice Kapusuz Civil Society Development Centre (STGM) www.stgm.org.tr 42 Reşat Uğur Karacan Ministry of EU Affairs www.ab.gov.tr 43 Barış Karacasu KAGED www.kaged.org.tr 44 Xheni Karaj Alliance against Discrimination of LGBT (Albania) www.aleancalgbt.org 45 Veysel Kavak European Youth Society Association https://tr-tr.facebook.com/eysayouth 46 Merve Keyvanoğlu Association for Children Cerebral Palsy (SERÇEV) www.sercev.org.tr 47 Yunus Akın Kılışçı Ministry Policies 48 Ezgi Koçak Kaos GL www.kaosgldernegi.org/anasayfa.php 49 Derya Köksal UNHCR www.unhcr.org.tr 50 Esin Koman Agenda Child Association www.gundemcocuk.org 29 ⎢ Event Report Website with www.facebook.com/tsd.mersinsubesi www.sercev.org.tr www.pinkembassy.al Roma of Association, Rights Family and Centre with Social www.errc.org www.rightsagenda.org www.sosyalkulturelyasam.org/iletisim.asp www.aile.gov.tr # Name and Surname Organisation Website 51 Funda Küçükcan UNFPA www.kadindostukentler.org 52 Özgür Mehmet Kütküt Civil Society Development Centre (STGM) www.stgm.org.tr 53 Hüseyin Fırat Mavigök Human Rights Association, Mersin Branch http://ihd.org.tr/index.php/etimainmenu-3/12-eti/23-d-mersinbesi.html 54 Stevan Milivojevic LGBT Forum Progress www.lgbtprogres.me 55 Zübeyde Ozanözü Anatolia Education, Culture and Art Association 56 Bişeng Özdinç Human Rights Joint Platform (İHOP) 57 Olga Özer İştar Women’s Centre 58 Fazilet Özköse The National Human Institution of Turkey (TİHK) 59 Annika Palko Swedish Embassy www.swedenabroad.com/ankara 60 Lise Pate EU Delegation to Turkey http://avrupa.info.tr 61 Adam Puskar Queeria Centre www.queeriacentar.org 62 Sanna Raıta-Aho Finnish Embassy www.finland.org.tr/Embassy 63 Ayşe Sargın Nature Association www.dogadernegi.org 64 Ezgi Şeref Social Policies, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Studies Association (SPOD) www.spod.org.tr 65 Deniz Servantie Economic Development Foundation (İKV) www.ikv.org.tr 66 Çiçek Tahaoğlu Bianet http://bianet.org 67 Ege Tekinbaş UNFPA www.kadindostukentler.org 68 Nurcihan Temur Women’s Coalition www.kadinkoalisyonu.org/yeni/ 69 Dragana Todorovic Lesbian Human Rights Organization http://labris.org.rs/en/ 70 Nazım Tural Friedrich Naumann Foundation www.fnst-turkey.org 71 Gülnur Türen Manisa Autism Youth and Sports Club Association www.facebook.com/groups/2641265304 64840/ 72 Gülsen Ülker Association for Monitoring Gender Equality www.ceid.info.tr 73 Yunus Emre Ünal Ombudsmanship www.ombudsman.gov.tr 74 Vladana Vasic Sarajevo Open Centre http://soc.ba/en/ 75 Fbp Wolff Dutch Embassy turkey-tr.nlembassy.org Rights www.ihop.org www.tihk.gov.tr Event Report ⎢ 30 # Name and Surname Organisation Website 76 Ezgi Yaman Network against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children http://ctcs-mucadele.net/ 77 Seyhmus Yavuz Batman Social Studies and Local Development Association 78 Z. Gökçe Zengin The National Human Institution of Turkey (TİHK) Rights www.tihk.gov.tr Speakers and Moderators # Name and Surname Organisation Website 1 Hakan Ataman Helsinki Citizens Association www.hyd.org.tr 2 Isabelle Chopin European Network of Legal Experts in Non-Discrimination www.non-discrimination.net 3 Claire Fernandez European Network against Racism (ENAR) www.enar-eu.org 4 Sinan Gökçen European (ERRC) www.errc.org 5 Istvan Haller National Council to Discrimination, Romania 6 Severine Jacomy Vite UN Human Rights Thematic Group www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx 7 Hayriye Kara Kaos GL www.kaosgldernegi.org/anasayfa.php 8 Sema Kendirci Turkish Women’s Association www.turkkadinlarbirligi.org 9 Gün Kut European Commission Racism and Intolerance 10 Ljiljana Loncar Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Serbia www.ravnopravnost.gov.rs 11 Feray Salman Human Rights Joint Platform (IHOP) www.ihop.org.tr 12 Gerarrd Salza EU Delegation to Turkey http://avrupa.info.tr 13 Didem Tekeli Human Rights in Mental Health Initiative (RUSİHAK) www.rusihak.org 14 Yücel Tutal Roma Rights Forum (ROMFO) 15 Bjorn van Roozendaal ILGA Europe www.ilga-europe.org 16 Burcu Yeşiladalı Bilgi University Human Rights Law Research Centre http://insanhaklarimerkezi.bilgi.edu.tr/ 31 ⎢ Event Report Roma Rights Centre Combat against www.cncd.org.ro www.coe.intA/dghl/monitoring/ecri/defa ult_en.asp of Turkey TACSO Representatives # Name and Surname Organisation e-mail 1 Ayça Bulut Bican TACSO Turkey [email protected] 2 Akça Şaylan TACSO Turkey [email protected] 3 Neslihan Özgüneş TACSO Regional Office [email protected] Event Report ⎢ 32