EU-Funded Rights Project: Breaking Down Prejudices Among Youth
Under the Rights Project, Türkiye now has a 650-member Rights Network connecting youth, NGOs, and student clubs nationwide. The EU-supported project was run by the Youth Services Centre Association (GSM), in partnership with the Uğur Mumcu Investigative Journalism Foundation (um:ag) and the Mardin Joint Women’s Cooperation Association (MOKID).
Dilek Aydın, a student at Istanbul University, was changed by the project. Now she says: “We don’t have to think alike. That’s the beauty of living together.”
Dilek Aydın, a student at Istanbul University
Dilek states: “Through the project, I spent time with people I wouldn’t otherwise have interacted with and even formed friendships. The experience shattered my prejudices and motivated me to pursue law and focus on human rights.”
Before joining, Dilek had doubts about continuing with her legal studies. She had hoped the project would help her find an alternative career. Instead, she is now committed to getting her law degree, using it to protect human rights values.
A platform for common ground
Edanur Aydın – no relation to Dilek – is pursuing a master’s degree in law at Ankara University.
She says the project demonstrated how people from diverse cultures and worldviews could engage in respectful dialogue and find common ground.
Edanur Aydın, a student at Ankara University
“While I didn’t consider myself prejudiced, I found it difficult to understand the problems of people outside my circle. Listening to individuals from vulnerable groups sharing their challenges first hand broadened my perspective. We drafted policy documents and even visited Parliament as part of our advocacy efforts.”
Saliba Akay, a student at Mardin Artuklu University
Saliba Akay, who studies political science and international relations at Mardin Artuklu University, added: “I learned a great deal about human rights advocacy through the project and have maintained friendships with those I met.”
Under the Rights Project, Türkiye now has a 650-member Rights Network connecting youth, NGOs, and student clubs nationwide
The project impacted thousands of young people
Mehmet Arslan, the “Director of the Rights Project at GSM”, explains that the project, officially titled Empowering University Youth to Promote Human Rights for Vulnerable Groups, commonly known as Rights, reached thousands of young people.
Mehmet Arslan, the Director of the Rights Project at GSM
He speaks about the project, which was completed in January 2025:
“Participants received training in human rights, monitoring, and advocacy, as well as citizen journalism. In addition to face-to-face workshops, the project embraced digital participation. For the first time in Türkiye, we created a 650-member Rights Network connecting youth, NGOs, and student clubs nationwide.”
“Young people can quickly shed their prejudices and embrace tolerance. The project allowed them to show their potential and learn from each other. The outcomes we achieved are fully in line with the Youth Action Plan.”
Özge Mumcu Aybars, a board member of um:ag
Beyond a project
The project received 406 applications for citizen journalism training, with 34 participants earning certification. Özge Mumcu Aybars, a board member of um:ag, expressed pride in being part of the initiative: “While planning how to engage youth, during the project, we discovered how much we could learn from them.
“The Rights Project became more than a project—it evolved into a platform where young people shared their thoughts and expressed themselves. We are delighted to have been part of this and are hopeful for Türkiye’s future.”
MOKID Chairperson Hülya Çelebioğlu
Connecting cultures
MOKID Chairperson Hülya Çelebioğlu highlighted the importance of bringing together youth from different cultural backgrounds together in seven provinces: “Creating opportunities for young people to spend time together and overcome discriminatory feelings, if any, was our key objective. They bonded beautifully and have continued to stay in touch.”
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski
EU’s perspective
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, underscored the project’s significance: “This project reflects the EU’s commitment to empowering young people. Initiatives like this not only break down prejudices but also strengthen the foundations of a cohesive and tolerant society. The enthusiasm and openness of Türkiye’s youth inspire great hope for a future built on mutual respect and understanding.”
Supported under the EU’s Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), the Rights Project was implemented with university youth in seven cities: Ankara, Diyarbakır, İstanbul, İzmir, Mardin, Mersin, and Samsun.
For more information, visit www.haklar.org
