10.07.2025 01:50
The Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution was brought into question with the appointment of Fahrettin Altun as the Head of Communications. So, what is TİHEK? When was it established? What does it do? Here are the details...
Fahrettin Altun, while transferring the duty of the Presidency of Communication to Burhanettin Duran, was appointed as the President of the Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution (TİHEK). So, what is TİHEK? When was it established? What does it do?
WHAT IS TİHEK?
TİHEK, which stands for the Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution, is an independent public institution that operates to protect and promote human rights, prevent discrimination, and ensure equality in these matters. It was established on April 20, 2016, by Law No. 6701.
MAIN DUTIES
The main duties of TİHEK can be grouped under three main headings:
Protecting and Promoting Human Rights: The institution works to ensure and develop the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. In this context, it examines applications related to human rights violations, prepares reports, and conducts awareness-raising activities.
Combating Discrimination: TİHEK works to prevent discrimination based on grounds such as age, gender, belief, language, race, health status, disability, or opinion, and to ensure equality. It evaluates complaints in cases where the prohibition of discrimination is alleged to have been violated and makes necessary decisions.
Combating Torture and Ill-Treatment (National Preventive Mechanism - NPM): The institution undertakes the duties of the national preventive mechanism (NPM) by conducting regular and unannounced visits to places where individuals deprived of their liberty are held (such as penal institutions, immigration centers, children's rehabilitation centers, etc.). These visits aim to eliminate the risks of torture and ill-treatment, ensure transparency, and monitor compliance with international standards.
TİHEK acts autonomously in administrative and financial matters while carrying out these duties. It investigates practices that violate the principle of equality in public and private sector institutions, conducts human rights training and awareness-raising activities, collaborates with international organizations, and publishes reports.