Students dressed in ISIS costumes... Sharp reaction from the Association of Children and Women First: 'We will launch campaigns'

At a performance held at the Konya Tahir Büyükkörükçü Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, students were dressed like jihadist militants and given toy guns for the December 18 World Arabic Language Day. Attorney Müjde Tozbey, President of the Association of Children and Women First, made statements to 12punto regarding the event held at the school and stated that the event was against the law. Attorney Tozbey also called on parents, warning them not to allow their children to participate in such events.

“IT REQUIRES CRIMINAL LIABILITY LEGALLY”

Evaluating the legal dimension of holding such events in public institutions, Attorney Tozbey warned: “Such events are clearly contrary to the principle of protecting the best interests of the child. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Turkey is a party, children should be kept away from symbols that promote violence and war, and their right to grow up in a peaceful environment must be protected. It is unacceptable both legally and socially for public institutions to pave the way for events containing such dangerous messages. Identifying children with terrorist organizations like ISIS creates a situation open to abuse and requires legal criminal liability.”

“IT MAY CREATE A PERCEPTION OF NORMALIZED VIOLENCE”

Regarding the damage that the event, in which children used symbols themed around violence and war, might cause to their psychology, Attorney Tozbey stated: “Events themed around violence and war can lead to trauma in children and create a perception of normalized violence. This situation weakens children's ability to empathize while increasing the risk of them internalizing violent behaviors in the future. Children's psychology is sensitive, and such events undermine their healthy development. Instead, activities themed around peace, solidarity, and love should be organized.”

“WE PLAN TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGNS”

Expressing what they will do regarding this issue as the Association of Children and Women First, Attorney Tozbey said: “As an association, we will continue our struggle against situations where children's rights are violated in this way. We will demand that those responsible be punished by applying to legal channels. We also plan to launch campaigns to raise public awareness and provide guidance to families on child development. We will do our best to ensure our children grow up in a peaceful environment.”

“THERE IS A RISK OF SIMILAR EVENTS INCREASING”

Stating that similar events might be encountered in the future, Attorney Tozbey said: “Unfortunately, there is a risk of such events increasing in the current political atmosphere. Such ideological impositions, especially those targeting children, may show a tendency toward normalization in society. However, it is our responsibility to protect the future of children by fighting against such situations. As an association, we will always fight against such initiatives.”

“PARENTS MUST DEFEND THEIR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS”

Calling on parents, Attorney Tozbey concluded her words as follows:

“Our call to parents is to defend their children's rights, not to allow them to participate in such events, and to report the situation to the relevant authorities. Teach your children that war and violence are not normal. Instill peace, solidarity, and love in them. We also remind you that in such situations, you can apply to our association to receive legal support. Children are the future of us all, and defending their rights is not a choice, but a necessity.”