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Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca met with students of Istanbul Medipol University and gave a speech.

In his speech, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Akarca stated that the Ombudsman Institution is a human rights based oversight mechanism that examines citizens’ grievances against public institutions and organizations and provides recommendations for solutions.

Emphasizing that the goal of the Institution is to protect individual rights and to promote the principles of good administration in the public sector, Chief Ombudsman stated, “Everyone can lodge a complaint to the Ombudsman Institution. The process is very simple; there are no formalities or prerequisites. Complaints can be lodged through our website (www.ombudsman.gov.tr). No fees are charged, and every complaint is finalized within a maximum of six months. Complaints to the Institution must be lodged before filing a lawsuit. Lodging a complaint to our Institution suspends the ongoing legal time limit for filing a lawsuit.”

Chief Ombudsman noted that complaints can be lodged regarding any act, action, attitude, or behavior of the administration: “The fact that we can initiate investigations and inquiries not only against attitudes and behaviors, as well as act and actions of public institutions, distinguishes the Ombudsman Institution from other legal remedies. Through our annual reports submitted to the GNAT and shared with the public, we provide guidance to administrative bodies and draw attention to general issues reflected in the complaints we receive throughout the year. In addition to our annual reports, special reports on specific matters may also be prepared to raise public attention regarding those matters.”

“Knowing and defending your rights will make a significant contribution to the rule of law in our country.”

Highlighting that that today’s youth are a conscious generation who access information rapidly and use technology effectively, the fastest, uses technology best and is conscious, Chief Ombudsman added, “Knowing and defending your rights will make a significant contribution to the rule of law in our country. With this awareness, the Ombudsman Institution has established Ombudsman Student Clubs in 156 universities to promote a culture of seeking legal remedies among young people. These clubs carry out projects to raise awareness regarding legal remedies and increase young people’s understanding of them.”

Chief Ombudsman stated that within the framework of the “Ombudsman Meets the Youth” program, the Institution meet with young people by organizing conferences at universities across Türkiye and through the “Ombudsman Meets the Public” program, young people’s ideas and suggestions are listened by holding one-on-one meetings with community members.

Mr. Akarca emphasized that young people, as future leaders, academics, artists, entrepreneurs, and legal professionals, will play key roles in shaping society, and therefore, they must have a sound understanding of their rights and the law. Highlighting that significant investments have been made in higher education in Türkiye in recent years, Mr. Akarca stated, “Our expectation from you is to work hard and continue to think critically and produce solutions. Your youth is the most productive period for both professional and personal development. Gain different perspectives and stay open to innovation. Be creative and nurture your entrepreneurial spirit. Your ideas, projects, and dreams only have meaning if you act on them; you must have the courage to bring them to life.”

Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca and the Accompanying Delegation Paid a Visit to the Rector of Istanbul Medipol University Prof. Dr. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk

Within the framework of the “Ombudsman Meets the Youth” program, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca, accompanied by the Secretary General of the Ombudsman Institution Mr. Mehmet Doğan and Press Advisor and Head of Institutional Communications Ms. Oya Demirel, paid a visit to the Rector of Istanbul Medipol University Prof. Dr. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk.

During the meeting, a Goodwill and Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Ombudsman Institution and Istanbul Medipol University.

Chief Ombudsman Paid a Visit to the Office of the Prevention of Discrimination and Equality Ombudsman of Istanbul Medipol University

Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca and Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Doğan paid a visit to the Office of the Prevention of Discrimination and Equality Ombudsman of Istanbul Medipol University and met with students.

During the meeting, information was received about the activities of the Ombudsman Office and views were exchanged on potential areas of cooperation.