Turkey's Jurists Union visits Bangsamoro

By Firdevs Bulut

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's International Jurists Union visited Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in efforts of further collaboration with lawyers, jurists, and scholars working on legal sciences.

The Union has been organizing programs and press conferences about those who have faced violation of rights, no matter what their religious beliefs, ethnic identities and wherever they are in the world.

In a written statement, Necati Ceylan, lawyer, and the secretary-general of International Jurists Union said: "We have always supported the fight for freedom of our brothers and sisters in Bangsamoro. We are doing everything we can for you to be able to found a strong state and live a prosperous life in line with your beliefs. Our efforts will continue to make sure these happen."

The Union collaborated with lawyers in Bangsamoro in the subject of legal science. Following this program, a certificate ceremony has been organized.

The Union said collaborations with Bangsamoro in the subject of law will continue.

The foundation of the International Jurists Union was laid in 1996 with the initiatives of lawyers and scholars from 22 different countries. On June 29, 2009, it was officially founded with a decree from the Republic of Turkey’s Council of Ministers. Currently, they have members from 48 different countries, including lawyers and scholars.

The Union has visited Palestine, Egypt, Bangladesh, the UAE, Iraq, Jordan and Western Sahara with a team, and conducted interviews about violations of rights in the field. Based on findings, they prepare impartial reports and share them with international organizations and public opinion, to prevent violation of rights.

* Writing by Firdevs Bulut