Istanbul, The HDV Minority Rights Academy is set to launch an educational program focused on enhancing the understanding and advocacy of minority rights within Turkey. This initiative, combining face-to-face and online learning, aims to equip participants from NGOs and minority institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to engage in effective advocacy and contribute to current debates on minority issues in the country.
According to Pak NGOs, the academy’s curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including the evolution of the concept of minority, legal frameworks at both international and national levels, the political history of minorities in Turkey, and comparative studies from other countries. The program, which will be conducted annually in 2024 and 2025, employs a hybrid method of instruction and includes seminars in both Turkish and English, with provisions for simultaneous translation.
Participants who successfully complete the program and obtain a certification will be eligible to apply for a grant aimed at supporting projects that protect and empower minority groups. The funding for these projects will range from 10,000 to 15,000 Euros, with each project’s implementation period spanning between six to nine months.
The academy emphasizes rigorous participation, requiring attendees to be involved in all sessions and to produce scholarly work under expert guidance. Application priority will be given to individuals already active in the fields of human rights and minority rights, including NGO workers, academics, lawyers, and media and public sector employees.