As TUSEV, we organized the International Conference on Freedom of Association on June 11-12 at Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Center in collaboration with the Civil Society Development Center (STGM) within the scope of our Monitoring Freedom of Association Project. The conference featured 26 speakers and over 200 CSO representatives from Türkiye, the European Union, the Balkans, and the USA.
The conference was opened by Erdal Yıldırım, Chair of TUSEV’s Board. Yıldırım shared that one of the things that makes him optimistic about the current state of the world is meeting with CSO workers. Ayzen Atalay, a member of the STGM Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of fighting together against the shrinking space for civil society and freedoms, highlighting that the foundation of this struggle is the freedom of association. Alexander Fricke, Head of the Civil Society, Fundamental Rights, Judiciary, and Home Affairs Section of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, stated that while the freedom of association and civic space are under attack in many parts of the world, CSOs have come together to defend their fundamental rights and expressed his gratitude in this close cooperation.
Throughout the two-day conference, the right to freedom of association was addressed as a crucial issue for civil society. Sessions highlighted the importance of including the changes and developments in civil society in the international agenda and close collaborations to counter the challenges posed by regulations governing civic space. Examples of good practices from around the world were shared, and it was reiterated that a strong civil society is indispensable for a functioning democracy.
