2023-11-04 10:49:43
Ombudsman İlkan Varol emphasized that everyone is equal before the Constitution, regardless of religion, language or race.
Varol emphasized the equality-related articles contained in the Constitution of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Ombudsman law regarding human rights, and noted that everyone in the country is equal before the law, regardless of religion, language or race.
Varol gave a speech on “The Role of the Ombudsman in Protection Against Discrimination, Focusing on Religious Rights” at the conference to which he was invited by the European Ombudsman Institute in Dubai.
Addressing the role of the ombudsman in protecting against discrimination by focusing on religious rights, Varol emphasized that the Ombudsman, as an independent public institution or person in many countries, has an important role aiming to protect the rights and interests of citizens and society.
“Ombudsmen play an important role”
Emphasizing the importance of religious rights and stating that ombudsmen play an important role in protecting these rights, Varol said, “What are religious rights and why are they so important? Religious rights include the freedom of individuals to worship according to their beliefs, to perform religious ceremonies, to change their religion, or to express their beliefs. These rights are also protected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international documents. Freedom of religion and belief is one of the cornerstones of democratic societies and allows people to freely practice their beliefs.” He said and emphasized that Ombudsmen are independent and impartial.
“Complaints are examined, investigated and reported…”
“In cases where people’s religious rights are violated, ombudsmen can review complaints, investigate and ensure the protection of these rights. “They also play an effective role in the fight against discrimination.” Varol noted that discrimination is often associated with the violation of religious rights and said, “Ombudsmen listen to the complaints of individuals exposed to discrimination and evaluate these complaints. If there is discrimination, they detect this situation and take the necessary steps. They provide support to people who are discriminated against and strive to protect the principle of equality. Thus, they help society become a more fair and egalitarian place.” said.
“Individuals who can live their beliefs freely are happier…”
Pointing out that Ombudsmen contribute to the protection of religious rights and to making societies more diverse and tolerant, Varol noted that individuals who can live their beliefs freely create happier and healthier societies.
Emphasizing that the role of ombudsmen in the fight against discrimination is also of critical importance in preserving social peace, Varol stated that after evaluating all these issues, when he looked at the legislation of the TRNC, there were very important regulations regarding religious rights.
Noting that it is clearly seen that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and such international regulations have been included in the TRNC legislation and their binding force has been ensured, Varol noted that the regulation under the title of equality is also seen in the TRNC Constitution, which is at the top of the hierarchy of norms.
Varol continued:
“According to Article 8 of the Constitution, everyone is equal before the Constitution and the law, without any discrimination. No individual, family, group or class can be privileged. State organs and administrative authorities are obliged to act in accordance with the principle of equality before the law and not to make any discrimination in all their transactions.
In addition, we see the regulation under the title of freedom of conscience and religion in Article 23 of the Constitution.
Article 23 of the Constitution states:
Everyone has freedom of conscience, religious belief and opinion. Worship, religious rites and customs that do not violate public order, general morality or laws enacted for this purpose are free.
No one can be forced to worship, participate in religious rites and ceremonies, or express their religious beliefs and convictions; He cannot be condemned because of his religious beliefs and wings. Religious education and training are carried out under the supervision and control of the state.”
Pointing out that freedom of religious belief is clearly protected in worship, religious rites and ceremonies, Varol said that the Ombudsman can take action upon the personal application of a person who claims to have been wronged on an issue, as well as as a result of the news in the press, the sensations he receives and the observations he makes. He also emphasized that he could take action ex officio and initiate an investigation.
Stating that the Ombudsman is an institution that anyone can apply to without any discrimination, Varol noted that the grievances of people whose rights were violated in the TRNC were resolved as a result of the investigation and reporting.
Varol noted that the services provided by the bodies, authorities, organizations and public institutions with executive authority in the TRNC are regulated to inspect their compliance and propriety with the current legislation, to investigate and submit reports, and to warn the relevant authority, and said, “As can be seen in these regulations, each and every one of them is subject to any discrimination.” “The complaint of a person’s rights violation is accepted and action is initiated, the necessary procedure is completed and the administration is warned, and if a violation of rights is detected, measures are taken to eliminate it.” He used his expressions.
Emphasizing that Ombudsmen have an important role in protecting religious rights and fighting against discrimination, Varol said, “The independence and impartiality features of Ombudsmen are of great importance in protecting religious rights and ensuring social justice. Therefore, we must support the work of ombudsmen and ensure that religious rights are protected for all.” said.
Ombudsman İlkan Varol was accompanied by TRNC Abu Dhabi Representative Umut Koldaş at the conference.
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