ABTTF participated Advisory meeting of European Basic Rights Platform

Advisory Meetings for the foundation of European Basic Rights Platform were held between 10-11 December in Brussels. Accordingly, foundation of the Platform was accomplished while working and membership conditions were discussed. Leading European Non-Governmental Organizations participated the meetings while Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) was represented by the chairman Halit Habipoglu. The main item on the agenda during two day lasting meetings was the contribution of European NGOs for fighting against racism and discrimination. At the end of the meetings, on the back of the common strong belief in the role that the European Basic Rights Platform is likely to play during this process, Platform was announced to be founded.

Working groups which concentrated on determining the membership conditions and working methods were established. Working groups reached consensus on making the professional NGOs, whose area of interest are mainly basic human rights, member to the platform. Additionally, it was decided that Platform will function under European Basic Rights Agency.

It is a significant improvement for ABTTF’s to participate Advisory meeting of European Basic Rights Platform

Halit Habipoglu, chairman of ABTTF, expressed his appreciation to see the commitment of European Union to fight against racism and discrimination. Habipoglu underlined that it would be very effective move to cooperate with professional NGOs against racism and discrimination. “We, Western Thrace Turkish Minority members, one of the victims of racism and discrimination, very well learned how to struggle with this problem. If we can cooperate with the other NGOs to fight against this common problem, I strongly believe that we will get very good results, taking the necessary steps to enhance human rights throughout Europe” said Habipoglu. Habipoglu also commented on the participation of ABTTF to the foundation works of the Platform. Accordingly, Habipoglu stated that ABTTF became a well known and respected NGO in Europe. We are ready to do our best to prevent discrimination and human rights violation throughout Europe. It was stated that Platform was to begin its activities as of Jan08.