Our Federation held its 4th Ordinary General Assembly on 15 December 2024 in the Mini Cinema Hall of Sümer Park Social Services Department.
During the General Assembly, amendments to the statutes were approved, a new logo was adopted and a new board was elected, which is composed of experienced personalities in the field of disability rights.
Our newly elected board is composed of experienced activists who have worked extensively in the field of disability rights.
The name of our Federation has been changed to "Federation of Persons with Disabilities" to include all disability groups. With the adopted amendment to the constitution, advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities was established as the main focus of the Federation. The Federation aims to strengthen its rights-based approach by adopting a human rights-centred perspective for persons with disabilities.
OUR NEW LOGO WILL BE A SYMBOL OF EQUALITY AND SOLIDARITY!
Another important change during the General Assembly was the adoption of a new logo for our Federation.
The newly adopted logo consists of the interwoven letters “E” and “F”, symbolising communication and solidarity.
The orange and dark blue logo contains lines that emphasise equality and shows the founding year of the Federation, 2015. This new visual identity is intended to reflect the Federation’s rights-based stance and inclusive approach.
A CALL TO SOCIETY FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS!
As we all know, 2024 was a year in which the rights of people with disabilities in Turkey deteriorated significantly. In order to end these violations and gain new rights, we call on all parts of society to show solidarity.
In addition, wars around the world are systematically increasing the number of new disabled people every day and the severe destruction caused by war is affecting entire societies. We firmly oppose the wars orchestrated by the ruling powers, especially in our region, and call on everyone to work for a world in which peace prevails.
Following the General Assembly, our President Abdulmecit Yılmaz stated:
"We no longer use a language of ‘waiting for help’ but one of ‘demanding rights’ We will fight for the equal participation of people with disabilities in all areas, from education to employment, from urban planning to digital accessibility.
We will ensure that laws are not just words on paper by monitoringand reportingon them and making our voices heard by a wider public.
We will continue to mobilise all our efforts to ensure that people with disabilities are included in decision-making processes and can help shape their own future."
These words from our President reflect our Federation’s commitment to a more determined and active fight in the new term.
GOALS AND VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE!
Since its inception in 2015, our Federation has campaigned for the rights of people with disabilities, accessibility and social equality. In the coming period, we will continue our efforts in these areas.
Our activities will be based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and we will develop projects in the areas of education, employment, health and social participation.
In particular, we will prioritise technology-based solutions to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.
CALL TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A COMMON FIGHT!
As an association, we want to build a broader cooperation network with local governments, civil society organisations and international human rights organisations.
Finally, we emphasise that a rights-based struggle can only be effective on a common platform and we invite all stakeholders to solidarity and joint action.
Click to see the delegates elected to the board of directors