Imagine Istanbul

Since today is May 15, 2008, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations, I decided that I should show my support in this blog by writing about the Human Rights of the Child. The human rights of children is a subject which is very close to my heart.

Around the world in many countries children experience extreme economic violence and hardship. Forced to take up occupations in order to support their families, children lose the innocence and joy of childhood, lose their opportunity for an education, lose the chance to be nurtured and loved by the family. Children are kidnapped, force to become child soldiers, sold into prostitution, forced to work on the streets of the cities, plying trades. They are the most vulnerable victims, subject to physical, sexual and emotional violence and abuse. They are the victims of war and the victims who are displaced by war. Who is to defend the rights of these children? Who will rescue these children?

My blog, ImagineIstanbul.com is about one little child I encountered who, as a young boy worked as a shoe shine boy in the streets of Istanbul.

I have often asked myself why this child was so afraid of me when I first found him shining shoes in the streets of Istanbul. I am not a frightening person. Nobody has given me an answer. But I have been told that I was probably the first person who had ever been kind to this little boy. One day, when I find him again, he will tell me the answer to my question.

I have been told I will know the answer when I understand why this little child had traveled with his father and uncle to a big city 24 hours by bus away from his home. Why a child so young is not in school, not at home with his mother, little brother and baby sister. That will be the day when I truly know the essence and the meaning of the beauty and the fear in his eyes.

But I have been told that there are thousands of children who work on the streets of various cities throughout Turkey. This child is not alone, not a rare occurrence. The Turkish government needs to address the situation and take care of the rights of its children and ensure that its children have proper housing, schooling, nutrition and health care. There are many causes of this impoverishment of the children and the Turkish government must work hard to solve the difficult issues of political, social, cultural and economic concerns it must deal with.

Many current economic, social, political problems lead to the victimization and abuse of children all over the world. Until countries move forward with enlightened ideas towards modernity and democracy, the rights of children will remain adversely compromised. If children continue to suffer – what kind of future lies ahead for these nations? What destiny do these children possess if they suffer from a lack of basic human rights during the most important years of childhood? All countries and their citizens must address the subject of human rights issues for all of their citizens, both young and old.

I am looking towards the future of Turkey with optimism and hope; imagining the perfection of an idea in a most beautiful country.

For further information on the Rights of the Children, checkout the Unicef Summary of the Rights of the Child and see how your own country measures up.

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