Istanbul became the human rights capital of the world for one week. More than 200 NGOs from 130 countries got together to discuss and exchange views during the 38th Congress of the International Federation for Human Rights.

On Thursday, May 23, Istanbul started hosting a five-day 38th Congress of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) on a current theme: “Human Rights and Democratic Transitions: Experiences and Challenges”, which will brings together 164 organizations from around the world.

The event will be attended by 400 prominent human rights defenders, including Shirin Ebadi (2003 Nobel Peace Prize, Iran), Asma Jahangir (UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion from 2004 to 2012, Pakistan) or even Kamel Jendoubi (President of the Independent High Authority for the Elections, Tunisia).

The International Criminal Court’s President, Sang-Hyun Song, and Chief Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, will also participate in this event.

It is expected that Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Beshir Atalay will participate in the opening ceremony, and the Turkish President Abdullah Gul will take in the closing ceremony.

“Turkey has reached a major crossroad. Our Congress is particularly timely and we hope that the exchanges that will take place during these five days will allow the civil society to better understand the challenges that lie ahead on issues of freedom of expression, minority rights and justice,” said Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President.

Authorities in Turkey recently released from prison 22 trade union activists and eight leaders of the Human Rights Association (IHD), which indicates the willingness of the Government to improve the situation of human rights in the country.

Now is the turn for the release of all lawyers, journalists and activists who are still languishing in prison on trumped up charges. Turkey is at a crucial stage in its development, and the countries of the Maghreb and the Middle East are closely watching the situation in the country. Turkey needs to give them an example, say representatives of FIDH.

In this regard, on April 24, FIDH representatives delivered a letter to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling on him to implement 8 measures in accordance with Turkey’s international obligations.

FIDH is an international NGO, which is composed of 164 human rights organizations from more than 100 countries. Every three years, FIDH holds a Congress, during which member organizations work together to define a strategy of the body and choose the International Bureau of FIDH.

The international human rights organization “Fiery Hearts Club”, based in France, became a member of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) 21 January 2013.

Head of the organization Mutabar Tadjibayeva is expected to deliver a speech during the Congress in Turkey.

– On May 24, I will deliver a speech about how to work in difficult repressive countries, will talk about how to organize alliances with different forces – NGOs, journalists, activists, and how their common efforts can help in a situation, where work is almost impossible, will share the experience of our organization. In addition, during the Congress I will continue to collect signatures for the release of political prisoners in Uzbekistan, – Mutabar Tadjibayeva to “Jarayon”.

Read a letter to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan here:

http://download.files.namba.kg/files/67714191

A letter of Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President, to Mutabar Tajibaeva, head of the international human rights organization “Fiery Hearts Club” can be found here:

http://download.files.namba.kg/files/67672571