“On the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I would like to congratulate the 10 December Human Rights Day of my citizens and the whole humanity,” Erdoğan said.

Erdoğan underlined that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted 72 years ago with the ideal of a more just, free and human-oriented world, remains an important document reminding the international community of its responsibilities.

“As a country which has built its government system on the principle “let the people live so the state lives”, we have eliminated many obstacles that restrict the rights and freedoms of our citizens with the reforms we have implemented. We carried our country to a much higher level in the field of human rights compared to 18 years ago by strengthening our democracy, accelerating the functioning of the law and expanding the ways to seek legal remedies. In line with the demands and expectations of our nation, we resolutely maintain our will for reform according to the new needs that emerge,” Erdoğan said, emphasizing that the biggest threats to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were cultural racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia.

“We are faced with a desperate situation in which billions of Muslims’ fundamental freedoms, from the right to life to the right to a fair trial, are disregarded, sacred values are belittled under the pretext of freedom of expression, and hate speech is promoted by media organs and the heads of the state.”

Erdoğan went on to say: “We are bringing these threats to the attention of all international platforms we are a member of and are striving for the proper implementation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights without discrimination as to race, religion or language.”

“In this regard, we find it extremely relevant that the theme of this year’s Human Rights Day has been determined as “RECOVER BETTER – STAND UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS” by the United Nations,” Erdoğan noted.

Erdoğan also called for structuring all policies on the basis of human rights and develop effective mechanisms to eliminate the existing injustices in the world to be reshaped after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Erdoğan concluded his message as follows: “Deriving inspiration from its history and civil values, Turkey will continue to strive for the protection of fundamental freedoms and to be a beacon of hope to millions of people who still cannot enjoy their rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 72 years ago. With these thoughts, I would like to extend my congratulations on the 10 December Human Rights Day once again and wish that it brings health, prosperity and peace to whole world.”