The torture and abuse of disabled children at the Niğde Engelsiz Life Care and Rehabilitation Center is a serious violation of human rights and the principles of the welfare state. The allegations of torture and ill-treatment of disabled children in a state institution have deeply shocked the public conscience. These incidents have once again highlighted the deficits in the protection of human rights and in the understanding of the welfare state.
The tragic series of events that culminated in the systematic torture and death of 9-year-old M.Ç. is not only a collection of individual crimes, but also a clear indication of systemic neglect and lack of accountability. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey all define the protection of persons with disabilities from violence, abuse and mistreatment as a mandatory obligation.
In particular, the following articles of the UNCRPD must not remain mere texts, but must be actively implemented:
• Article 7 : “Rights of children with disabilities”
• Article 14 : “Liberty and security of the person”
• Article 15 : “Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”
• Article 16 : “Freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse”
• Article 17 : “Protection of the integrity of the person”
The incidents in Niğde have once again shown that the legal provisions on these topics only exist on paper.
For years, the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs has failed to carry out independent, transparent and effective inspections of care and rehabilitation centers. These shortcomings have jeopardized the safety of people with disabilities and unfortunately led to irreversible consequences. The silence of the authorities in the face of these incidents is a clear indication of their failure to live up to their responsibilities.
TAKE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND STOP THE NEGLIGENCE!
The serious incident in Niğde must be fully investigated and those responsible must be brought to justice.
Care and rehabilitation centers must be regularly, transparently and effectively audited by independent and civilian mechanisms.
A comprehensive national strategy and action plan to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities must be developed and implemented without delay.
The qualifications of staff providing care services to persons with disabilities must be improved and ethically and professionally competent professionals must be recruited.
The right to life, human dignity and constitutional guarantees of people with disabilities must not be neglected under any circumstances! As the Federation of Barrier-Free Components, we call for the immediate implementation of these measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Disabled people are equal citizens of society. The services provided to them are not a privilege, but a necessity arising from human rights and constitutional obligations.
As the Federation of Accessible Components, we publicly declare our determination to continue to fight for the protection of the rights of disabled people and their ability to live a life in accordance with human dignity.
