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Charter

15 December 2025 00:00
Tüzük

BYLAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 1: NAME, HEADQUARTERS, AND LOGO OF THE FEDERATION

  1. The name of the Federation: Federation of Persons with Disabilities.
    • Short Name: EF.
  2. Headquarters: The headquarters of the Federation is located in Diyarbakır, Türkiye.
  3. Logo:
    • The logo is designed with the initials of the Federation of Persons with Disabilities positioned face-to-face, symbolizing communication and interaction as central values within the disabled community.
    • The rectangular blocks in the design emphasize solidarity and collaboration toward common goals, while also reflecting the Federation’s inclusive approach to all disability conditions.
    • The horizontal lines of the letter "E" symbolize equality, embodying the Federation’s mission to achieve "equal and accessible lives" for persons with disabilities.
    • The logo features orange and navy blue colors, with the year of establishment, 2015, displayed in the upper right corner.
  4. Mission: Since its establishment in 2015, the Federation has worked to promote equality and accessibility in all areas of societal life, advocate for the human rights of persons with disabilities, combat ableism and other rights violations, and uphold its core values of diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.

 

ARTICLE 2: OBJECTIVES AND WORK AREAS OF THE FEDERATION
OBJECTIVES:
The Federation aims to:

  1. Ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in social, economic, cultural, educational, sports, legal, and professional spheres.
  2. Combat economic, physical, sexual, and psychological violence against persons with disabilities.
  3. Eliminate all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities.
  4. Promote gender equality in disability rights advocacy, with a focus on empowering women and girls with disabilities.
  5. Encourage youth participation through youth-oriented projects.
  6. Support the right to independent and autonomous living for persons with disabilities.
  7. Advocate for accessible, ecological, and sustainable living conditions for persons with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and rare diseases.
  8. Foster innovative approaches to protect and advance collective rights and interests.
  9. Build a societal structure grounded in the rule of law, social justice, and equal opportunities.
  10. Ensure universal enjoyment of human rights and freedoms.
  11. Promote democratic, inclusive, and participatory governance.
  12. Strengthen cooperation, solidarity, and coordination among member associations to raise awareness nationally and internationally.

WORK AREAS AND METHODS TO BE PURSUED BY THE FEDERATION:

  1. Develop and implement initiatives to address the diagnosis, treatment, education, rehabilitation, employment, and living conditions of persons with disabilities. Establish and manage education, rehabilitation, care, and living centers in Türkiye and abroad.
  2. Design gender-sensitive, innovative, and socially impactful projects for disadvantaged groups, particularly women and girls with disabilities. Collaborate with domestic and international institutions on joint projects.
  3. Ensure the needs and expectations of all persons with disabilities are reflected in disability policy-making.
  4. Advocate for the use of sign language as the mother tongue of deaf, speech-impaired, and hearing-impaired individuals in all areas of life.
  5. Provide legal support in cases of human rights violations against persons with disabilities. Organize workshops, trainings, panels, seminars, and conferences to raise awareness.
  6. Establish infrastructure in education, culture, health, tourism, technology, and sports for all disability groups. Implement social transformation and production projects.
  7. Create health, education, and sports infrastructure for individuals with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, autism) and rare diseases.
  8. Organize workshops, research commissions, panels, and conferences on regional and global societal challenges.
  9. Collect and maintain necessary documentation, publications, and resources to achieve the Federation’s objectives.
  10. Publish books, magazines, websites, films, and other media for educational and promotional purposes. Operate facilities for these activities domestically and internationally.
  11. Secure technical equipment, office supplies, and a safe working environment.
  12. Establish cultural, sports, recreational, and lodging facilities, including libraries, studios, and radio/TV stations.
  13. Conduct fundraising activities and accept donations in compliance with relevant legislation.
  14. Establish economic, commercial, and industrial enterprises to generate revenue.
  15. Build and furnish rest, social, and cultural facilities for persons with disabilities.
  16. Organize social events (e.g., concerts, exhibitions, sports activities) to strengthen ties among member associations.
  17. Prioritize and support projects of member associations based on feasibility.
  18. Purchase, sell, lease, or establish property rights over movable and immovable assets.
  19. Form or join confederations as needed.
  20. Engage in international activities, join foreign organizations, and collaborate on cross-border projects.
  21. Develop joint social projects with public institutions for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
  22. Establish and operate childcare centers, special education schools, therapy centers, and disability care facilities under relevant laws.
  23. Form platforms with NGOs, foundations, and unions to advance shared goals.
  24. Partner with media, universities, public institutions, and NGOs to reduce disability-causing factors.
  25. Promote consistent communication and terminology among all entities working on disability issues.
  26. Design and implement local, national, and international projects; participate in EU, World Bank, or other grant-funded initiatives.
  27. Mediate communication between persons with disabilities and public institutions regarding complaints.
  28. Issue public statements, hold press conferences, and organize demonstrations to address human rights violations.
  29. Support refugees, asylum-seekers, and migrants with disabilities through education, advocacy, and anti-discrimination efforts.
  30. Provide legal, psychological, and health support to victims of violence; collaborate with institutions and NGOs on monitoring and reporting cases.

ARTICLE 3: RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
A. RIGHTS
Federation members shall have the following rights:

  1. To participate in the General Assembly through their delegates.
  2. To elect the organs specified in the bylaws.
  3. To benefit from the activities outlined in the relevant articles of the bylaws.

B. OBLIGATIONS

Member associations of the Federation shall fulfill the following obligations:

  1. To pledge full compliance with all provisions of the Federation’s bylaws and decisions of its authorized organs.
  2. To notify the Federation Presidency at least 15 days in advance of any general assembly meetings they intend to hold.
  3. To regularly pay Federation membership fees.
  4. To refrain from actions contrary to the Federation’s objectives and to avoid exercising authority outside the Federation’s interests.
  5. To participate in research and investigative activities.
  6. To fully execute tasks assigned by the Federation’s organs.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP, RESIGNATION, AND EXPULSION

A. MEMBERSHIP

Any association established to advocate for the rights and interests of persons with disabilities, where over half of its members are persons with disabilities, may apply for membership by submitting a resolution adopted at its general assembly. The application must declare acceptance of the Federation’s bylaws, objectives, and obligations, along with the association’s bylaws, board resolution, and membership list. The Federation’s Board of Directors shall review and decide on the application within 30 days.

B. RESIGNATION

  1. Membership is automatically terminated if a member association dissolves or loses its legal personality.
  2. Membership ends if a member association voluntarily resigns through a general assembly resolution.

C. EXPULSION

  1. A member may be expelled by the Board of Directors for non-compliance with decisions, obstructing activities, or persistent non-payment of fees despite written warnings. Expelled members may appeal to the next General Assembly, whose decision is final. Expelled members may reapply after one year.
  2. Acting contrary to the Federation’s bylaws or objectives.
  3. Engaging in legally prohibited conduct.

D. Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly. Expelled associations remain liable for outstanding debts.

ARTICLE 5: FEDERATION ORGANS

A. MANDATORY ORGANS

  1. General Assembly.
  2. Board of Directors.
  3. Auditing Committee.

B. AUXILIARY ORGANS

  1. Presidents’ Council: Comprising all member association presidents, meeting every 3–6 months. Decisions are recorded and implemented by the Board.
  2. Other auxiliary organs’ structure and duties are determined by the Board.

ARTICLE 6: GENERAL ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE
The General Assembly consists of:

  1. 5 delegates per non-branched association.
  2. 5 delegates from headquarters + 1 per branch for associations with branches.
  3. Former Federation Presidents.
  4. Founding members as natural delegates.
  5. Current Board and Auditing Committee members.
  6. Delegates must be submitted in writing 30 days prior to the General Assembly.

 

ARTICLE 7: GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

  • Ordinary meetings are held every 3 years in July.
  • Extraordinary meetings may be convened upon request by the Board, Auditing Committee, or one-fifth of delegates.

 

 

ARTICLE 8: NOTICE PROCEDURE

Delegates must be notified at least 15 days in advance via newspaper, website, email, or local media. A second meeting may be held within 7–60 days if quorum is unmet.

ARTICLE 9: QUORUM

  • Simple majority for ordinary decisions.
  • Two-thirds majority for bylaw amendments or dissolution.

 

ARTICLE 10: MEETING PROCEDURES

  1. Delegates must present valid ID and sign attendance lists.
  2. Non-delegates may observe but not vote.
  3. A Presidium (Chairperson, Deputy, Secretary) oversees proceedings.
  4. Sign language interpreters are mandatory if deaf delegates are present.

 

ARTICLE 11: AGENDA
Only agenda items are discussed unless 10% of attendees request additions.

 

ARTICLE 12: VOTING RIGHTS
Each delegate holds one vote. Self-interested parties may not vote on related matters.

ARTICLE 13: VOTING PROCEDURES

  • Secret ballot for elections; open voting for other matters.
  • Decisions require a simple majority, except bylaw amendments/dissolution (two-thirds).
  • Gender parity rule: Female-majority lists prevail in ties.

 

ARTICLE 14: GENERAL ASSEMBLY DUTIES

  1. Elect organs every 3 years.
  2. Amend bylaws.
  3. Approve budgets and reports.
  4. Set membership fees.
  5. Authorize property transactions.
  6. Decide on international activities or dissolution.

 

ARTICLE 15: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  1. Comprises 7 principal and 7 alternate members elected for 3 years.
  2. Vacancies are filled by alternates.
  3. Members missing 3 consecutive meetings are deemed resigned.

ARTICLE 16: ROLE DISTRIBUTION
Roles include General President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice Presidents for organization, education/employment, PR, and legal affairs.

ARTICLE 17: BOARD MEETINGS

  • Monthly ordinary meetings; extraordinary sessions as needed.
  • Quorum: Simple majority; Chair’s vote breaks ties.

 

ARTICLE 18: BOARD DUTIES

  1. Execute General Assembly decisions.
  2. Manage finances and audits.
  3. Admit/expel members (subject to General Assembly approval).

 

ARTICLE 19: OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • General President: Leads the Board and represents the Federation.
  • Secretary: Manages meetings and records.
  • Treasurer: Oversees finances and budgets.
  • Vice Presidents: Coordinate specialized portfolios (e.g., education, PR, legal affairs).
  •  

ARTICLE 20: AUDITING COMMITTEE – STRUCTURE, DUTIES, AND AUTHORITIES
A. STRUCTURE

  1. The Auditing Committee is elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term through secret ballot, comprising three principal and three alternate members. Outgoing members may be re-elected.
  2. The Committee elects a Chairperson from among its members within one week of election.
  3. Expenses incurred by members in the course of their duties shall be reimbursed by the Federation.

 

 

 

 

 

B. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES

  1. Audit all Federation operations, accounts, and records.
  2. Submit an annual audit report to the General Assembly, including financial statements and balance sheet reviews.
  3. Report deficiencies or non-compliance with bylaws to the Board of Directors and demand corrective measures.
  4. Request an extraordinary General Assembly meeting if the Board’s actions harm the Federation’s interests.
  5. Attend Board meetings without voting rights.

 

ARTICLE 21: FEDERATION REVENUES AND EXPENSES
A. REVENUE SOURCES

  1. Membership Fees: An entrance fee of 100 TL and an annual fee of 100 TL (adjustable by the General Assembly).
  2. Donations from individuals/entities.
  3. Income from events (e.g., conferences, fundraisers).
  4. Revenue from Federation assets.
  5. Legally compliant fundraising.
  6. Profits from commercial activities aligned with the Federation’s purpose.
  7. Other income.

 

B. EXPENSES

  1. General operational costs.
  2. Expenditures to fulfill the Federation’s objectives.
  3. Investment costs.
  4. Other expenses.

 

ARTICLE 22: BOOKKEEPING PRINCIPLES AND REGISTERS
A. OPERATING ACCOUNT BASIS

Mandatory registers:

  1. Decision Book: Records Board resolutions with member signatures.
  2. Membership Register: Tracks member details, entry/exit dates, and fees.
  3. Document Register: Logs incoming/outgoing correspondence.
  4. Operating Account Ledger: Records income/expenses.
  5. Receipt Certificate Register (optional).
  6. Fixed Assets Register (optional).

 

B. BALANCE SHEET BASIS

  1. Maintain registers under Tax Procedure Law and Accounting System Implementation General Communiqués.

C. REGISTER CERTIFICATION

Mandatory registers (except the General Ledger) must be certified by the Provincial Directorate of Associations or a notary before use.

D. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  • Operating Account Table (per Associations Regulation Annex-16) for operating accounts.
  • Balance Sheet and Income Statement for balance sheet accounts.
  •  

ARTICLE 23: REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE DOCUMENTS

  • Revenue: Collected via Receipt Certificates (Annex-17) or bank documents.
  • Expenses: Supported by invoices, receipts, or Expense Vouchers (Annex-13).
  • In-Kind Donations: Tracked via In-Kind Donation Delivery Forms (Annex-14/15).
  • Authorization Certificates (Annex-19) required for non-Board members collecting funds.
  • Retention Period: 5 years for documents (unless laws specify otherwise).

 

ARTICLE 24: DECLARATION OBLIGATION

Submit the Association Declaration (Annex-21) to local authorities by April 30 annually, detailing prior-year activities and finances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 25: NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A. GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESULTS

Notify authorities within 45 days, including amended bylaws if applicable.
B. REAL ESTATE ACQUISITIONS

File Real Estate Notification (Annex-26) within 45 days of registration.
C. FOREIGN AID


Submit Foreign Aid Notification (Annex-4) before receiving funds.

D. CHANGES TO ORGANS/ADDRESS

Notify changes via Annex-24/25 within 45 days.

 

ARTICLE 26: INTERNAL AUDIT

  • Annual audits by the Auditing Committee.
  • External audits permitted but do not replace internal audits.

 

ARTICLE 27: BORROWING PROCEDURES

Borrowing requires Board approval and must not exceed repayment capacity.

 

ARTICLE 28: BYLAW AMENDMENTS

  • Requires two-thirds majority of attending delegates.
  • Open voting method.

 

ARTICLE 29: DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

A. DISSOLUTION

  • Requires two-thirds majority of delegates.
    B. LIQUIDATION
  1. A Liquidation Committee (final Board members) manages asset distribution.
  2. Remaining assets go to entities specified by the General Assembly or split equally among members.
  3. Liquidation Report submitted to authorities within 7 days of completion.

 

C. DOCUMENT RETENTION
Records preserved for 5 years by the Liquidation Committee.

ARTICLE 30: GAP CLAUSE

Unaddressed matters fall under:

  • European Convention on Human Rights
  • UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Turkish Civil Code and Associations Law.
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