Minister Fidan: Crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: "Crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished. "If justice does not prevail, it will lead to a generation gap, which will reduce the chances of peace in the Middle East."

Fidan spoke at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UN) in Portugal.

Stating that the vision of the Alliance of Civilizations is being increasingly attacked on all fronts during this period, when the international system is extremely fragmented due to ongoing wars, especially in the Middle East, Fidan recalled that he expressed his concern about the ongoing genocide in the Middle East at the opening of the 10th global forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

Noting that he would like to reiterate these concerns, Minister Fidan said: "Crimes against humanity cannot be rewarded with impunity. If justice does not prevail, it will lead to a generation gap, which will reduce the chances of peace in the Middle East. That is why, at such a critical moment, it is vital that the Alliance speaks louder than ever, so that its messages are clearly heard. That is why our Alliance must be stronger, more visible and more effective in solving all the problems that stand in the way of dialogue and mutual understanding."

Stating that, as members of the Group of Friends, he calls on everyone to strengthen responsibility for the vision of the Alliance on multilateral and national platforms, Fidan gave an example of the possibility of activating regional forums of the Alliance.

Recalling that these forums have been successful in the past and have led to progress in discussing issues of direct interest to certain regions, Fidan said that the Alliance should also be supported by sufficient financial resources.

Noting that the Alliance needs a more stable and solid financial structure, Fidan said: "Providing support will be an investment in our future, peace and harmony. With this understanding, Turkey will continue to provide strong support to the Alliance, and we expect the same support from you."

Regarding the Alliance of Civilizations, whose 20th anniversary will be celebrated in 2025, Fidan said, "We have created a strong community based on diversity and mutual respect."

Noting that the 20th anniversary of the Alliance of Civilizations will be celebrated in 2025, Fidan said: "We have created a strong community based on diversity and mutual respect. We have protected the united humanity from the growing wave of distrust, misconception and hatred."

Fidan said that the resolve of the last 20 years has been echoed and supported by the international community, and that the visibility and effectiveness of the Alliance in the UN system has strengthened.

Stating that among the components of the Alliance's mission there are "various references in the future pact, such as intercultural dialogue, mediation, combating extremism and xenophobia," Fidan said: "The expansion and diversification of the Alliance's network and its areas of coverage should be especially noted."

Fidan stated that after the opening of the office in Geneva in 2021, work is also underway to establish a regional office for mediation, prevention and dialogue in Istanbul, stressing that the Alliance reaches out to people every day through its projects and contributes to building a peaceful and inclusive world.

Stating that the Alliance faces important tasks in implementing measures to combat Islamophobia, Fidan said:

"We look forward to working closely on this issue with all relevant stakeholders, including Ambassador (Mehmet) Pachaca, who has been appointed Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to combat Islamophobia."