Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech in Ankara on Human Rights Day, emphasizing Türkiye’s commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity both at home and abroad.

Speaking at the event, Erdoğan said that there is “no stain” on Türkiye’s history regarding human rights, arguing that the country has a stronger and more inclusive record than those who currently lecture Türkiye on rights and freedoms. He stressed that Türkiye upholds justice, peace, and human dignity not only in its own region but across the world.

Extending solidarity to oppressed communities, Erdoğan sent greetings to victims of war and injustice, especially in Gaza and Sudan, stating that Türkiye and the Turkish nation will always stand by them. He underlined that Ankara acts with the principle of “Strong Türkiye for Humanity” in crisis zones ranging from Gaza and Syria to the Russia–Ukraine war and areas of tension in East Africa.

Touching on Syria, Erdoğan marked the first anniversary of the Syrian revolution, congratulating the Syrian people for their resistance over 13.5 years of oppression. He paid tribute to those who were killed in attacks by the Assad regime and terrorist groups, describing their suffering as a tragedy that shames humanity.

The Turkish president also highlighted the importance of the peaceful implementation of the March 10 agreement, saying it would prevent efforts to keep Syria unstable and divided, and would help the country move toward a prosperous and united future.

Turning to Palestine, Erdoğan said that the patience of the oppressed Palestinian people would eventually be rewarded. He declared that peace and freedom would prevail and reaffirmed his belief that a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders would be established.

His speech concluded with a renewed pledge that Türkiye will continue to defend human rights and support oppressed peoples around the world. (ILKHA)