AKP (Justice and Development Party), had been declaring that it would change the current Constitution which accepted in 1982 completely for some months. While various groups were discussing about this issue, AKP government made change in the Constitution about hijab-headscarf a current issue immediately.
AKP made this issue a current issue not as a part of regime of general freedoms, but (“even”) as a part (tool) of political aim and activity.
Human Rights Association (İHD) considers hijab-headscarf issue as part of regime of general freedoms. This is an issue which is about individual’s right and freedom. These rights and freedoms, like freedom of belief, freedom of expression and right to education and work, are human rights. It is not easy, in terms of human rights, to understand the State’s interest in citizen’s appearances. However, Turkish legislation has many limitations and interventions to individual’s rights also in this field.
The subject, by political actors, is considered as a part of political aim. Subsequently headscarf or hijab are used as a tool to achieve the goal.
Freedom of appearance (freedom to hijab-headscarf) for students in higher education institutions is against neither the principle of secularism nor human rights law…
We may criticize official mentality of secularism and its implementation in Turkey.
However this attitude might be evaluated as a manifestation of our demand for an appropriate and liberal secularism. The principle of secularism cannot be given up.
If there is no secularism, there is no democracy. On the other hand democracy, also, is a guarantee for secularism.
Secularism should not be a concept that is discussed and/or making it meaningless or used by a shield (tool) by authoritarian/totalitarian.
The country is not going to be out of control. Also, there will not be reaction. However, such a change might recover, as much as it can, some of injustices to which some citizens are subjected to and might be subjected to in future.
Freedom is the main issue.
Limitations should be in accordance with human rights law.
HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION