Chairman of AFD Shares Earthquake Saga in Turkey at UNAA Event

Advocates for Dignity Chairman Mehmet Saral recently shared his concerns about the devastating earthquake that struck Southeastern Turkey on February 6 during the “One Voice, One Humanity” event hosted by the United Nations Association of Australia (NSW) and Affinity Intercultural Foundation.

Sydney, Australia – On February 24, Advocates for Dignity Chairman Mehmet Saral recently shared his concerns about the devastating earthquake that struck Southeastern Turkey on February 6 during the “One Voice, One Humanity” event hosted by the United Nations Association of Australia (NSW) and Affinity Intercultural Foundation. The event was held on February 24 at the Great Hall of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and featured 16 speakers who discussed various human rights issues.

During his speech, Saral questioned why so many buildings collapsed so easily, why so many homes did not meet earthquake standards, and why there were no guarantees for safe housing – a fundamental human right enshrined in various UN treaties. The earthquake affected ten provinces with a population of 13.5 million, including around 2 million Syrian refugees. The latest figures indicate that over 40,000 people died, and over 100,000 were injured.

The “One Voice, One Humanity” event provided the human rights community with a platform to share their experiences and raise awareness of the challenges faced in achieving equal justice, opportunity, and dignity for all. The UNAA (NSW) Human Rights Pillar curated the event in partnership with Affinity Intercultural Foundation, Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion, UTS, and Rotary Club of Sydney.

In a pre-recorded video interview presented at the event, Mr. Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a human rights activist and an MP for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), highlighted the plight of people affected by the earthquakes in Southeastern Türkiye on February 6. Gergerlioglu emphasized the urgent need for action to protect the fundamental human rights of those affected by the earthquakes. He raised concerns about the lack of guarantees for safe housing and earthquake safety standards in the region, which he argued are basic human rights enshrined in various UN treaties.

The “One Voice, One Humanity” event featured 16 speakers, including Chin Tan, Australian Human Rights Commission; Maryam Zahid, Afghan Woman on the Move; Dr. Patricia Jenkings and Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a human rights activist and an MP for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).

The event provided a platform to address human rights concerns and foster awareness about the challenges faced in achieving social justice and dignity for all.