On the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I congratulate our valued citizens and the entire human family on December 10, Human Rights Day.

This year, we commemorate this meaningful day with an increased awareness of responsibility for standing against human rights violations in our region and across the world and for establishing lasting peace and stability.

The ongoing inhumane attacks in Gaza deal a significant blow not only to the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people but also to the shared values of all humanity. The fact that this tragedy still continues reveals the weakness of the international system. In order not to carry this shame into the future, it is the common obligation of all countries to stop the massacre of civilians in Gaza and take action to establish lasting peace. Türkiye will continue to work together with all members of the international community who value human dignity and have conscience and morality to stop these massacres against the Palestinian people, to meet their needs, and to establish a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.

Our stance is clear and determined against hate crimes, which have increased in some countries, especially those based on racism, xenophobia, and hatred against Islam. For societies to live together in a peaceful environment, it is imperative for all nations to be in solidarity in the fight against hate crimes and to take concrete steps without resorting to any excuses.

All countries must take a principled and consistent stance, without double standards, to protect the shared values and human dignity that form the basis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

With these thoughts, I congratulate Human Rights Day, and I hope for the realization of a just and peaceful world order in which human rights and human values are always a priority.