STATEMENT l 02 June 2025 Unlawful Deportation of Orhan Artar and His Children: URA Calls for International Accountability
Date: 02 June 2025 PRESS STATEMENT| UNIVERSAL RIGHTS ASSOCIATION (URA) The Universal Rights Association (URA) expresses deep concern over the recent unlawful abduction and forced deportation of Orhan Artar and his children from Rwanda to Türkiye. According to credible sources, the family was under UNHCR protection in Kenya and attempted to travel to Europe through Rwanda, where they were intercepted and forcibly returned to Türkiye — a clear violation of international law. This incident echoes previous documented cases of transnational repression by the Turkish state. The most notable is the abduction of Zabit Kişi, a former teacher abducted in Kazakhstan and secretly transferred to Türkiye by operatives of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in 2017. Mr. Kişi was subjected to 108 days of incommunicado detention, severe torture, and forced confessions. In a landmark decision, the Turkish Constitutional Court confirmed the failure of the state to investigate these grave allegations and awarded…
STATEMENT | 29 May 2025 Turkish Constitutional Court Confirms State Failure in Torture Case of Abducted Teacher Zabit Kisi
Date: 29 May 2025 Turkey’s Constitutional Court Confirms State Failure in Investigating Torture of Abducted Teacher Zabit Kişi The UNIVERSAL RIGHTS ASSOCIATION (URA) welcomes the recent ruling by Turkey’s Constitutional Court, which found that Turkish authorities violated their legal obligation to investigate credible allegations of torture made by Mr. Zabit Kişi — a former teacher abducted from Kazakhstan and forcibly returned to Turkey in 2017 due to alleged links to the Gülen movement. According to the Court’s decision, Turkish authorities failed to conduct a proper investigation despite the grave nature of the allegations, extensive medical evidence, and clear procedural gaps. URA expresses deep concern that this case represents a pattern of impunity, enforced disappearances, torture, and transnational repression by Turkish institutions. Background Mr. Zabit Kişi was kidnapped on September 30, 2017, from Almaty International Airport by individuals who introduced themselves as operatives of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT). He was beaten and placed on…
STATEMENT | 08 May 2025 Mass Detention of 208 Students in Türkiye: URA Condemns Arbitrary Arrests and Legal Violations
UNIVERSAL RIGHTS ASSOCIATION (URA) Johannesburg, South Africa The Universal Rights Association (URA) is dedicated to promoting human rights, justice, and equality worldwide. We work to document and raise awareness about human rights violations, advocate for legal reforms, and support victims of injustice. Through reports, international engagement, and activism, we strive to uphold fundamental rights. Date: 08 May 2025 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Distribution PRESS RELEASE Johannesburg, 8 May 2025 — The Universal Rights Association (URA) strongly condemns the mass detention of 208 individuals, most of them university students and young people, across 47 provinces in Türkiye. The arrests, coordinated from Gaziantep, were publicly announced by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ali Yerlikaya, on X https://x.com/AliYerlikaya/status/1919662466767675857?t=iq1T936oCeRHhFxZ4gI6UA&s=09 Authorities claim the detainees are connected to a so-called “current organizational structure” linked to the Gülen movement. However, accusations rely on vague associations, including: • Attending international academic meetings • Use of encrypted communication tools •…
STATEMENT l 05 April 2025 From Istanbul to Johannesburg: Celebrating the Legacy and Courage of Lawyers on April 5
STATEMENT FOR APRIL 5 LAWYERS’ DAY April 5 marks Lawyers’ Day in Türkiye — a day to honor those who bear the weight of justice and the rule of law. On this important occasion, we express our deepest respect and gratitude to all lawyers who raise their voices against oppression and stand firmly with the oppressed. Lawyers are not just legal representatives — they are defenders of human rights, guardians of justice, and the breath of freedom in societies under pressure. 🎙️ UN Spotlight on Lawyers and Human Rights Defenders in Türkiye The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, recently expressed grave concern over the situation in Türkiye: STATEMENT FOR APRIL 5 LAWYERS’ DAYSTATEMENT FOR APRIL 5 LAWYERS’ DAY We extend our sincere appreciation to the experts who contributed to the related reports and the broader international advocacy for human rights in Türkiye: Mary Lawlor– UN Special Rapporteur…
2025 South Africa Human Rights Festival and the Significance of Constitution Hill
2025 South Africa Human Rights Festival and the Significance of Constitution Hill 1. General Framework of the Festival From 20 to 23 March 2025, Constitution Hill in Johannesburg hosted the 7th Annual Human Rights Festival. The four-day event brought together human rights defenders, artists, lawyers, academics, and the public through panels, workshops, exhibitions, theatre, poetry, concerts, and film screenings. This year’s theme, “For Tolerance, Peace and Prosperity,” aimed to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the South African Constitution while fostering social cohesion and democratic participation. 2. Constitution Hill: A Historical and Symbolic Site Historical Layers: Originally built in the late 19th century under British colonial rule, Constitution Hill served as a prison complex that held both male and female political prisoners. Notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winnie Mandela were imprisoned here. Transformation and the Constitutional Court: After the adoption of the new constitution in 1996,…
Human Rights Festival 2024
Universal Rights Association at the Human Rights Festival 2024.
Acts of Goodness by URA: Building Justice Through Compassion
Acts of Goodness Universal Rights Association (URA) works on spreading Acts of Goodness. Here you can view the projects we have embarked on. Become a valued Patron by showing your support Become a Patron!
STATEMENT l 22 November 2023 Call for the Immediate Cessation of Violation, Restraint, and Peace Between Israel and Palestine.
Call for the Immediate Cessation of Violation, Restraint, and Peace Between Israel and Palestine.
13th Annual Walk For Freedom organised by The Palestine Solidarity Alliance on Sunday the 25th of September 2022 at Rose Park Lenasia
The Walk for Freedom organised by @psasouth_africa in #Lanesia 4 the people of Palestine & other oppressed in Turkey & around the world. We thank to all who visited our stand & photography exhibition.
Friday 12 August 2022 Award-Winning Annual Concert for Refugees
Please join us in Award-Winning Annual Concert for Refugees by *Universal Right Association (URA)* ,*Turquoise Harmony Institute* and other partners. Once again, it is time to raise awareness of the plight of the numerous people in the African Continent and around the world who have been chased from their homes, forgotten, and misplaced by others. Forced displacement is a very real crisis and the victims must be recognised and included in efforts to promote *Social Cohesion* Here is the line-up: *Sipho Hotstix Mabuse* *Msaki* *PJ Powers* *Thandi Ntuli* *Pops Mohamed* *Neill Solomon* *Rocksteady Dub* *Bienvenue Nseka* and *Lebo Mashile* *Date* : Friday, 12th August *Venue* : Linder Auditorium *Time* : 19:00 for 19:30 *Tickets*: https://tinyurl.com/ConcertTicket2022 for more info *www.refugeeconcert.co.za*