A major earthquake hit the north-west cities (Istanbul, Adapazarı, izmit, Yalova, Gölcük, Düzce, and Bursa) of Turkey on 17 August 1999. There are very devastating results of the earthquake. This leads to different kind of difficulties to rescue the victims and to provide emergency service. It has been officially announced that the death toll is increased to 15,000, and 40,000 people have been wounded. 1 million people have become homeless. It is estimated that 30,000-35,000 people are still trapped under the rubble. Food, tents, hygienic and medical equipment are immediately needed. The most affected groups are children, elderly people, and women. It seems that the most important problems for the very near future will be accommodation and sheltering. We call on international community and international organizations to provide help for healing sufferings and wounds of our society. We urge you to show your international solidarity and to provide any kind of help to eliminate social, psychological and health problems caused by the earthquake. We do believe that you will reply our call for immediate help. The Human Rights Association is ready to provide all kind of support, in advance, during your efforts for help. Respectfully Nazmi Gür Secretary General