In cooperation with our Faculty and the Management and Politics Society, a panel titled “Discussing Human Rights in Today’s World of Wars” was held at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (FEAS), Prof. Dr. Sabri Bektöre Conference Hall.
The event was attended by FEAS Vice Dean Dr. Ali Balkı, along with academic staff and students.
The panel was moderated by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Fişne, Dean of AKÜ Bolvadin Faculty of Applied Sciences and Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at FEAS. The speakers were Lect. Dr. Hulusi Nusret Özsoy and Dr. Atahan Demirkol.
“Human rights are a foundational pillar of our civilization”
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Fişne emphasized that human rights should not be perceived solely as a concept associated with modern Western democracies or European Union accession criteria. He underlined that human rights constitute a deeply rooted value within Turkish–Islamic civilization as well. Referring to the philosophy of Sheikh Edebali and its reflection in Ottoman governance, Fişne stated that protecting human dignity and ensuring humane living conditions are intrinsic elements of the civilization’s historical and cultural heritage.
“We are living in a world of wars”
Prof. Dr. Fişne described the post–Cold War expectation of a “peaceful world” as having failed, characterizing the current era as a “World of Wars.” He noted that severe human rights violations are taking place across various regions, particularly highlighting Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, Syria, and Libya, where armed conflicts and humanitarian crises reveal a growing gap between human rights ideals and realities on the ground.
“Hierarchical perceptions of humanity and double standards”
In his presentation titled “The Scope, Historical Development, and Universality Problem of Human Rights,” Lect. Dr. Hulusi Nusret Özsoy discussed the theoretical and practical contradictions of the human rights concept. He argued that claims of universality are undermined by a hierarchical perception of humanity, particularly evident in Western political discourse and media narratives during recent conflicts. Özsoy emphasized that human rights history should also be read as a history of exclusion and paradoxes.
“Systematic violations of international humanitarian law”
The second speaker, Dr. Atahan Demirkol, addressed the issue from the perspective of International Humanitarian Law, focusing on the laws governing armed conflict (jus in bello). He analyzed the situation in Gaza within the framework of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, stating that Israel, as an occupying power, has systematically violated its obligations under international law. Demirkol highlighted attacks on civilians, medical facilities, and basic infrastructure, as well as collective punishment and forced displacement, as clear breaches of humanitarian law.
Drawing attention to the principle of proportionality, Demirkol stressed that even legitimate military objectives must be balanced against civilian harm, noting that indiscriminate attacks and excessive use of force constitute war crimes.
The panel concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the speakers.