29.03.2025 15:30
The Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, stated, "Today, we must raise our voices even more for the children who are caught in the conflicts, especially in Gaza. We must demonstrate stronger and more determined solidarity to protect their right to live and their hopes for the future."
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Minister Göktaş attended the 'Year of Peace and Security: Conference on the Development of International Relations for the Benefit of Children' organized by the Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov Foundation in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Starting his speech by indicating that Turkmenistan has always had a special and privileged place for Turkey, Göktaş conveyed the greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
"WE NEED TO TAKE STRONG AND DETERMINED STEPS"
Minister Göktaş stated that they came together to strengthen collaborations so that children can live in a safer, peaceful, and tranquil world, saying, "This year, which the United Nations General Assembly has called the 'Year of Peace and Security', reminds us of our common goals once again. It reveals that we need to take strong and determined steps to eliminate the threats, challenges, and obstacles that our children face in the world."
"CONFLICTS AFFECT THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF CHILDREN"
Pointing out that in this age, children face numerous challenges ranging from increasing individuality and loneliness due to globalization and digitalization to the devastating effects of climate change, wars, and forced migrations, Göktaş said:
"Unfortunately, today, the conflict, violence, and instability experienced in different regions of the world still affect the lives of millions of children. The most vulnerable and innocent victims of these crises are unfortunately our children. Ensuring their safety and guaranteeing their fundamental rights such as education and health is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic investment for our future. If we want to leave a better world for our children, we need to strengthen the joint mechanisms that protect children in conflict and crisis areas. Today, we must raise the voices of children trapped between conflicts, especially in Gaza. We must show stronger and more determined solidarity to protect their rights to life and hopes for the future. In addition, we must ensure the continuity of educational opportunities and implement policies that protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect. At the center of these policies, strengthening family structures and preserving family values play a vital role."
"WE DECLARED 2025 AS THE YEAR OF FAMILY"
Minister Göktaş recalled that with the approval of President Erdoğan, they declared the year 2025 as the 'Year of Family' in Turkey, stating, "Our aim is to remind the importance of the family institution, which is the building block of society, and to create strong awareness in this area. Protecting the family structure and values, which draw strength from our traditions, cultural values, and common bonds, is the most important step in leaving a healthy and conscious society for future generations." Göktaş stated that they see all social policies implemented for children as the most valuable investment in the future of the country.
Göktaş also stated that they support children's development in social, cultural, artistic, and sports fields with various and comprehensive services they provide, noting that thousands of children are sheltered with protective families under the Gönül Elçileri Project, which is carried out under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Erdoğan.
Göktaş said, "With our protective family model, which we implemented with the belief that 'the best gift that can be given to a child is family', we provide our children with a loving and warm family environment. We introduced our Gönül Elçileri Project, which UNICEF considers a promising project, to the world at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and called for a global mobilization on this issue. Our protective family model has inspired many countries, and they have started to implement this model in their own systems," he stated.
"WE HAVE ACHIEVED A GREAT TRANSFORMATION IN CHILD SERVICES"
Göktaş emphasized that they have achieved a great transformation in child services, stating:
"By transitioning from the dormitory-type care model to the home-type care model, we provide our children with a living space that will make them feel the affection of a family. In this sense, we are determined to continue our efforts to ensure that every child grows up in a healthy family environment and secures their future. Of course, our efforts are not limited to these; we have many other important projects and activities that we have implemented in this area. Drawing inspiration from international experiences, we will continue to implement many initiatives to ensure that our children step into a bright future. I sincerely hope that this conference will yield important results for our children to have a fairer, more peaceful, and secure future."
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