23.02.2026 09:54
Famous singer and UNICEF Child Rights Advocate Hadise's donation video during Ramadan, where she equated Turkey with Gaza and Sudan, drew criticism. Following the backlash, Hadise stated, "I hope that during Ramadan, we all stay away from angry words and divisive feelings. My prayer is to be able to meet in a future where all children can live in equal conditions, safely and with love, in a fairer world."
UNICEF Child Rights Advocate Hadise's Ramadan donation video, in which she equated Turkey with Gaza and Sudan, drew criticism. Those who reacted to the famous singer stated that Turkey is not a country in need of aid, but a country that provides assistance, and they expressed strong criticisms. Following the backlash, Hadise made a statement.
EQUATED TURKEY WITH GAZA AND SUDAN
Hadise, who was appointed as a 'Child Rights Advocate' by UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) in 2022, became the target of criticism due to a donation video prepared for the month of Ramadan. The phrases she used in the video; "May no child go hungry anywhere in the world this Ramadan. From Turkey to Gaza, from Sudan to the most remote villages in Africa… Be a hope for children with your donation" sparked a debate.
"AN UNACCEPTABLE ATTITUDE"
Presidential Senior Advisor Oktay Saral harshly criticized Hadise's statement, describing the situation as "a serious incompetence under the guise of global sensitivity."
Saral stated: "It is an unacceptable attitude for Hadise to portray Turkey as a 'needy' country alongside Gaza and Sudan in the video she prepared for UNICEF. Turkey is not the subject of crisis regions; it is a country that provides aid to those areas. To categorize one's own country alongside regions struggling with war and hunger is a detached attitude that tarnishes the country's reputation. This rhetoric, made under the guise of global sensitivity, is not goodwill but serious incompetence."
HADISE HAS A STATEMENT
After the backlash, Hadise released a statement saying, "I was selected as UNICEF Child Rights Advocate for Turkey in 2022. Since that day, we have carried out very valuable work with UNICEF in areas needed for our children and youth. After the earthquake disaster, I went to the region and spent time with our children one-on-one. I witnessed closely the trainings organized, the aid provided; the fear in their eyes but also the hope. Since those days, I have had one feeling inside me: to be able to do more for our children.
"I AM A WOMAN IN LOVE WITH THIS HOMELAND"
For this blessed month of Ramadan, I was sent a text by UNICEF and asked to shoot a video. The summary of the video was; "Let's grow goodness together in Ramadan." I am a woman in love with this homeland. I am a woman who knows the realities of Turkey, does not ignore these realities, but always wants to be part of the solution. My intention was the same when I argued that we should embrace refugee children in 2019. My intention was the same when I was collecting aid for our children both in Turkey and abroad during the earthquake period. Today, as I call for support for our children in the month of Ramadan, I am in the same place.
"TURKEY IS A COUNTRY THAT STANDS BY EVERYONE"
Turkey is a strong country. A country that is always by the side of its citizens with its state and its people. Our country is one that provides aid to every corner of the world, always standing by everyone in need. We have many children and families in our country and around the world who need help. The efforts and actions of our state are very valuable. In addition, the support of aid organizations such as the Red Crescent, UNICEF, and the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation is equally important. I am the greatest witness that donations made to these organizations make a real difference in the lives of children.
"MY PRAYER IS FOR A FAIRER WORLD"
Especially since the day I represented my country at Eurovision at the age of 22, I have proudly defended Turkey on every platform I have appeared. I will continue to defend and represent it in the strongest way possible. I hope that during Ramadan, we all stay away from angry sentences and divisive feelings. Fasting is not just about the body going hungry; it is also about cleansing minds and hearts from evils. My prayer is to meet in a future where all children can live in equal conditions, safely and with love, in a fairer world."