MIPEX 2025: A Roadmap for Inclusive Integration Policies Across Europe
Beyzanur İnal GÖK * When I arrived in Europe as a refugee, I didn’t only cross a border, I stepped into a new system of hopes, paperwork, and unspoken expectations. I believed education and effort would open doors, yet I soon discovered that my degree meant little, that employers hesitated, and that integration was something […]
Freedom of Expression and Its Restrictions in Turkey
İrem Seçkin Freedom of expression is considered one of the fundamental pillars of democracy. For societies to progress, for diverse ideas to interact, and for those in power to remain accountable, individuals must be able to express their thoughts without fear. In Turkey, however, there has been a noticeable trend of shrinking space for freedom […]
Hate Speech in the Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights
Introduction Freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. It is essential for individuals to be able to express their thoughts, for public opinion to be shaped freely, and for the preservation of political pluralism. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) protects this right not only for ideas that are […]
Gender Equality or Equity? Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters
When we talk about gender justice, two terms frequently emerge: gender equality and gender equity. Although they are often used interchangeably, these concepts are not identical—and understanding the distinction between them is critical for shaping just and effective policies. In this blog post, we explore the analytical differences between equality and equity, why they matter, […]
The Basics of Gender Equality: What It Means and Why It’s Important
Gender equality is a foundational principle of justice and social development. At its core, gender equality refers to the state in which individuals of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in every sphere of life—whether in education, employment, political participation, or family life. Despite its centrality to democratic values and human rights, achieving […]
Populist Leaders and the Dangers of Hate Speech
As those who follow current political developments are aware, in recent years, right-wing populist and nationalist leaders have gained prominence on the political stage. This rise has led to an increase in hate speech, as populism thrives on divisive politics. In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s provocative statements targeting his opponents, in the United States, […]
Between Change and Continuity: Rethinking the Refugee Situation in Türkiye post-Elections
Introduction: Turkish Elections and Refugee Flow Türkiye had a crucial presidential election on May 2023.[1] In the first election round on May 14, no candidate could reach more than 50 % of the vote.[2] Then the second round of the election took place between the two candidates with the most votes, who are Recep Tayyip […]