News

Chief Ombudsman of Türkiye, Mr. Mehmet Akarca, paid an official visit to Moscow upon the invitation of Ms. Tatiana Moskalkova, the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, in order to participate in the 10th Meeting of the Eurasian Ombudsman Alliance as an observer, on the theme “Protection of the Rights of Residents of Hard-to-Reach, Remote, and Rural Areas”; as well as the 9th International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Protection of Human Rights in the Context of the Digitalization of Society.” Ombudsperson Ms. Fatma Benli Yalçın accompanied Mr. Akarca during the visit.

At the 10th Meeting of the Eurasian Ombudsman Alliance (EOA), Mr. Akarca stated, “Human rights and justice are for everyone. Just as we embrace the principle of equality in public services, we must aim to reach all citizens in the conduct of our activities.” He emphasized that the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye frequently organizes regional meetings to reach citizens in different provinces across the country, which has a vast geography and population. He noted that the Institution prints informative brochures about its work and ensures they are distributed in different provinces and at various service points to raise public awareness. He added that the Ombudsman Institution frequently appears in visual and print media, provides information about its activities and shares important decisions that concern society at large.

During his speech at the 9th International Scientific and Practical Conference, Mr. Akarca highlighted that the concept of digital rights has emerged alongside digital transformation, accompanied by new international regulations. He noted that this process introduces new duties and responsibilities for Ombudspersons. Mr. Akarca further underlined the crucial role of Ombudspersons in ensuring a fair and secure digital environment—one in which human dignity, fundamental rights, and freedoms are effectively protected against the risks and challenges posed by digital transformation.

At the Conference, Mr.Akarca had the opportunity to meet with the Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross to the Russian Federation, Ms. Rania Machlab.