Child Poverty in Tonga

Written by Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo

The Kingdom of Tonga is divided into four island groups and consists of some 170 islands, with only 36 Islands inhabited in the Polynesian Pacific. The four island groups are Tongatapu in the south, Ha’apai in the centre, Vava’u in the north, and Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou in the north. The total population stands at 106,170, around 37 per cent of whom are under the age of 15.

i. The country faces numerous issues, one of them being learning poverty, which refers to the inability of children to read and understand a simple text by age 10. To understand why the country faces a large number of children who are under learning poverty, we must look at the socio-economic issues that affect the country.

 

In addition to poverty, The Kingdom of Tonga also has environmental issues, primarily climate issues, due to its coastal location. Like many other Pacific Islands, Tonga is vulnerable to natural disasters, cyclones, and unfortunately, it also has a large number of people who live under the poverty line. In March 2015, at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Tonga was labelled the second most at-risk country in the world due to constantly being threatened by different natural disasters. As a result, many education systems suffer in terms of quality and quantity, leading to poverty and insecurities in learning.

 

Free education and retention issues.

The country has free education for children aged 6 to 14, and education has been compulsory for this age group since 1987; however, after completion of secondary school, many students leave the country to pursue tertiary education in Australia and other countries, which has led to a continuous brain drain and the country’s reliance of remittances.

ii. In addition, the World Bank report, which looked at houses in Tonga, found that to tackle issues in education and the economy, the country needs to find other sources of income.

iii. Despite the strides in making education accessible, the country still faces a large percentage of out-of-school children and non-completion of primary and secondary school. Due to free education only covering up to 14 years and the country’s large number of people living under the poverty line, the dropout rate is higher in upper secondary school. According to UNICEF, in a 2023 study, 2 per cent do not complete primary, 8 per cent do not complete lower secondary school, and 49 per cent do not complete upper secondary.

iv. Gender roles and education

According to the UNICEF education fact sheet,v 62 per cent of the children who do not complete primary education are boys, 57 per cent at the lower secondary level, and 54 per cent at the upper secondary level are boys—further highlighting the glaring issues in gender norms.

 

V. Around the globe, looking at the data collected by Education Monitoring Around the Globe by Broken Chalk, many countries that have a large number of people living below the poverty line have issues with boys retention; many boys in these countries drop out to provide for their families and also get involved in criminal activities, and Tonga is an example of this phenomenon.

 

COL undertook a study on boys’ underachievement in Tonga to investigate factors affecting boys’ participation, performance and learning outcomes in school. The researchers engaged over 450 stakeholders through surveys and interviews with parents, teachers, boys, community members and the Ministry for Education and Training staff.

vi. The researchers found that social norms largely affect the perception of boys, and due to poverty, many boys understand criminal activities and drop out due to responsibilities at home, and many people are unaware of these issues.

Learning Poverty and Social Status

According to UNICEF, 48 per cent of children who have Grade 3 as the highest grade attended have the expected reading skills for that grade, while 26 per cent of children have the expected numeracy skills. The data also shows that children in the bottom wealth quintile have lower numeracy skills compared to children from the richest households in the country.

Socioeconomic status (SES) plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s educational outcomes. Children from lower-SES backgrounds often face multiple disadvantages that impede their academic progress. These disadvantages include limited access to educational resources at home, reduced parental involvement due to time constraints or lower educational attainment of parents, and fewer opportunities for early childhood development.

vii. The home literacy environment, in particular, has been identified as a significant factor influencing children’s literacy skills. Children from lower-SES households typically have fewer books at home and engage less frequently in reading activities with their parents, which can hinder the development of foundational literacy skills.

viiiI. In the kingdom of Tonga, there are two main official languages, English and Tongan, with children from English-speaking homes having more literacy. According to UNICEF, 70 per cent of 7 to 14-year-olds who speak English at home have foundational reading skills; this is higher than children who speak Tongan at home.

ix. Environment issues and effects on education

As mentioned above, the country is highly susceptible to environmental disasters, and in the World Bank report, it was noted that to improve education and retention issues in schools, there is a need for social protection initiatives. The country frequently has to rebuild schools, and education is disrupted due to natural disasters; the country also lacks proper infrastructure, despite the location is often being at risk one, to combat the effects of cyclones and floodings on education and households. It is notable that the country, from 2015 to 2021, initiated social programs which assist families in disasters and is now closer to similar countries, although still lacking.

x. It is, therefore, critical that the government make improvements to improve social programs and infrastructure to bridge the gap between poverty and education.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Kingdom of Tonga must put measures in place to combat learning poverty. The country, from 2015-to 2021, has made strides to combat poverty, but with the new seasons coming disasters on the rise in its region, and the number of children learning poverty increasing, it is dire that the country puts in place digital and other implementations in place to combat learning poverty. One of the reasons for learning about poverty is disruptions in education. By improving the country’s internal issues, the country can have sustainable results in reducing poverty overall.

 

 

Reference List 

1. UNICEF. (2017). Situation analysis of children in Tonga. https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/media/1251/file/Situation-Analysis-of-Children-Tonga.pdf

2. Morgan, C. (2020, April 23). 8 facts about education in Tonga. The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/8-facts-about-education-in-tonga/

3. World Bank. (2019). Tonga: Education sector report. World Bank Open Knowledge Repository. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/bee749e0-d3cc-4b7f-aaad-c1278a07ea3f

4. UNICEF. (2023). Tonga factsheet 2023. UNICEF Data. https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Tonga-factsheet-2023.pdf

5. Commonwealth of Learning. (2022, March 17). Aligning reform strategies for boys’ educational outcomes in Tonga. https://www.col.org/news/aligning-reform-strategies-for-boys-educational-outcomes-in-tonga/

6. World Bank. (2024, October 17). Despite challenges, Tonga making important steps in reducing poverty. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/10/17/despite-challenges-tonga-making-important-steps-in-reducing-poverty

i UNICEF. (2017). Situation analysis of children in Tonga. UNICEF. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/media/1251/file/Situation-Analysis-of-Children-Tonga.pdf

ii Morgan, C. (2020, April 23). 8 facts about education in Tonga. The Borgen Project. Retrieved from https://borgenproject.org/8-facts-about-education-in-tonga/

iii World Bank. (2019). Tonga: Education sector report. World Bank Open Knowledge Repository. Retrieved from https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/bee749e0-d3cc-4b7f-aaad-c1278a07ea3f

iv UNICEF. (2023). Tonga factsheet 2023. UNICEF Data. Retrieved from https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Tonga-factsheet-2023.pdf

v https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Tonga-factsheet-2023.pdf

vi Commonwealth of Learning. (2022, March 17). Aligning reform strategies for boys’ educational outcomes in Tonga. Commonwealth of Learning. Retrieved from https://www.col.org/news/aligning-reform-strategies-for-boys-educational-outcomes-in-tonga/

vii https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9588575/

viii https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mje/2023/01/05/the-relationship-between-socioeconomic-status-and-literacy-how-literacy-is-influenced-by-and-influences-ses/

ix https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/media/1251/file/Situation-Analysis-of-Children-Tonga.pdf

x World Bank. (2024, October 17). Despite challenges, Tonga making important steps in reducing poverty. World Bank. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/10/17/despite-challenges-tonga-making-important-steps-in-reducing-poverty

Anti-scamming Louise Housing tips

Written by Panashe Mlambo

– Housing shortage in the Netherlands leads to increased competition and rental scams.

Tips to avoid housing and rental scams1:

Ø Beware of deals that seem too good to be true, especially in major cities.

Ø Scrutinize the landlord’s social media for inconsistencies.

Ø Be cautious of reused pictures and descriptions across multiple listings.

Ø Verify the authenticity of house pictures by checking for Dutch elements and doing a reverse image search.

Ø Recognize common patterns in scammer messages, such as providing excessive details upfront and avoiding in-person viewings.

Ø Be wary of landlords who claim to be abroad and cannot show the property in person.

Ø Avoid supplying personal ID until certain of legitimacy.

Ø Verify the property owner through the Kadaster property register.

Ø Always view the apartment before renting or have someone view it on your behalf.

Ø Resist pressure to sign immediately and make payments cautiously.

Ø Avoid payment methods like Western Union and Airbnb.

Ø Watch out for illegal sublets, which may lead to registration issues.

Ø Seek help from organizations like !WOON and local Juridisch Loket if unsure or if scammed.

Ø Take immediate action and report to the police if scammed.

Ø x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 https://dutchreview.com/expat/rental-housing-scams-netherlands/

EDUCATION MONITOR AROUND TEAM LEAD OPINION PIECE

Written by Panashe Mlambo
In recent years, several European countries, including Finland, Poland, France, England, the Netherlands, and Sweden, have begun to recognize the impact of unrestricted mobile phone use in schools. These nations are actively addressing concerns over student focus and engagement by introducing varying degrees of regulation or even outright bans on mobile phone use during school hours. Here, we explore how each country is responding to this trend and the motivations driving these policies. This opinion piece is based on the trend analysis collected on the countries mentioned over the past 1 year.
France: Early Adopter of School Phone Bans
France has led the way since 2018 with a nationwide ban on mobile phones in primary and middle schools. This move was intended to reduce distractions and encourage interpersonal connections among students, setting a precedent for other European nations. French authorities argue that the ban has fostered a healthier learning environment and contributed positively to classroom dynamics . In the 2024 academic year the country continued to enforce their ban.
Finland: Legislation for a Focused Learning Environment
In 2024, Finland’s National Agency for Education issued guidelines discouraging disruptive phone use in classrooms and during breaks, aiming to enhance focus and provide a calm atmosphere for learning. Plans to reinforce these recommendations through formal legislation are underway, with a draft expected to be presented to Parliament. This proactive approach reflects a growing national commitment to ensuring that mobile devices do not interfere with educational activities .
Poland: Building Consensus for Classroom Phone Restrictions
In Poland, discussions around the negative effects of mobile phones on students’ concentration and academic performance have gained traction. Although specific legislative actions are still in discussion, there is an emerging agreement among educators and policymakers regarding the need to limit mobile usage in classrooms. This shift mirrors the broader European trend of prioritizing student engagement over digital convenience .
England: School-Level Policies for Reducing Distractions
Unlike France’s national legislation, England’s approach varies by school, with many institutions adopting their own restrictive policies on phone usage. Some schools have opted for complete bans, while others have set limits on when and how devices can be used. These policies reflect a collective recognition of the importance of minimizing distractions and enhancing focus on academic content.
Netherlands: Localized Debates and Institutional Policies
In the Netherlands, the debate over mobile phone use in schools has prompted some municipalities to advocate for stricter controls. Schools are encouraged to implement individualized policies that address mobile-related challenges, showing a national willingness to adapt to the evolving technological landscape in education. This flexible approach allows each institution to tailor regulations to meet its specific needs .
Sweden: Government Support for School-Level Regulations
In Sweden, similar to the approach in England, the government supports initiatives allowing schools to create their own policies on mobile phone use. This approach is aligned with the country’s focus on educational quality and aims to strengthen student focus by minimizing technological interruptions. Swedish policies thus aim to balance autonomy at the school level with an overarching goal of fostering productive learning environments
Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Enhanced Learning Environments
The movement to restrict mobile phone use in schools underscores a unified European commitment to improving students’ educational experiences. Although each country adopts its own approach—ranging from national laws to individual school policies—the common goal remains clear: to minimize distractions, enhance concentration, and foster healthier learning environments. As mobile technology continues to permeate students’ lives, these initiatives represent a collective effort to strike a balance between digital engagement and focused, face-to-face learning.


References
1.Yle. (2024, August 5). Finnish National Agency for Education recommends schools prohibit disruptive mobile phone use. https://yle.fi/a/74-20088057 2.Xinhua. (2024, August 6). Finland’s education agency recommends restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. https://english.news.cn/20240806/57d4f0c9c0f848bf9f23ed404cb31c64/c.html
3.Daily Finland. (2024, August 7). School mobile phone ban sparks debate in Finland. https://www.dailyfinland.fi/education/38910/School-mobile-phone-ban-sparks-debate-in-Finland
4.Yle. (2024, October 30). Finnish government prepares legislation to limit mobile phone use in schools. https://yle.fi/a/74-20103459
5.Phone Locker. (n.d.). Mobile phone use in Finnish classrooms. https://phonelocker.com/mobile-phone-use-in-finnish-classrooms/
6.European Conservative. (2024). Finland moves against cell phones in schools. https://europeanconservative.com/articles/commentary/finland-moves-against-cell-phones-in-schools/

7.Anadolu Agency. (2024). Smartphone bans in schools: Where is it happening and why? https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/smartphone-bans-in-schools-where-is-it-happening-andwhy/3328612
8.CNE News. (2024). School ban on smartphones is winning ground in Europe. https://cne.news/article/4415-school-ban-on-smartphone-is-winning-ground-in-europe
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Opinion-Piece

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Education Monitor: Around The Globe between December 16st and December 30th, 2024 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between December 16st and December 31st, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

December-16th-till-December-31st-2024

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between December 1st and December 15th, 2024 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between December 1st and December 15th, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

December-1st-till-December-15th-2024

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between November 16th and November 30th, 2024 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between November 16th and November 30th, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

November-16th-till-30th-2024

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between November 1st and November 15th, 2024 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between November 1st and November 15th, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

November-1st-till-15th-2024

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Freedom of expression in Turkey: Lawyers and Arrests: Dilek Ekmekçi and others

By Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that protects the ability to express oneself without unjustified restrictions. It is normally undisputed when dealing with social media presence when individuals share their opinions without erroneous implications. However, in Turkey, despite the Constitution providing for freedom of speech, many laws and legislations have been enacted, and amendments have been made to undermine the very principle of freedom of expression. This article will provide an analysis of freedom of speech and the legal system in Turkey and take a look at the charges against different lawyers in the context of International law, Turkish Law, and countries near it, using the 2024 case of Dilek Ekmekçi as the case study. 


The Arrests of Lawyers

A lawyer named Dilek Ekmekçi was released from prison on October 22, 2024, only to be promptly detained again by police, reflecting the ongoing repression faced by legal professionals in Turkey. This incident follows a troubling trend highlighted by the Court of Cassation’s ruling on September 18, 2020, which upheld the sentences of 14 human rights lawyers from the People’s Law Office, , who were convicted on similar charges. The crackdown continued with the recent arrest of Naim Eminoğlu and Doğa İncesu on July 2, 2024, both prominent members of the Progressive Lawyers Association, accused of being part of the Gülen Movement.  In January 2024, a staggering sentence of over 125 years was handed down to 19 lawyers,  further illustrating the Turkish government’s aggressive stance against those perceived as dissenters. These cases underscore the precarious situation for lawyers in Turkey, where legal actions are increasingly viewed as tools for political suppression rather than justice.


The law against the people

Under The Social Media Law (2020), the Turkish government can restrict and monitor any social media interactions and online free speech if necessary  and this is one of the ways in which all these lawyers mentioned above had their data used for a case to be made against them. Coupled with Turkey’s Anti-Terror Law (Law No. 3713), which penalises individuals who disclose or publish the identity of officials on anti-terrorist duties or who identify such persons as targets, this is used broadly, and in most cases of online discourse, the different individuals are arrested for incitement and spreading of terrorism rhetoric.  


In addition to the above, law enforcement usually limits freedom of speech with Article 125 of the Penal Code, which criminalises defamation and slander. In 90% of the cases above, the three legislations are cited together to justify the limitation of freedom of speech and arrest individuals who use online platforms to share their opinions on fraud, murder, and many more. Recent developments, such as the passing of the controversial “disinformation law” in October 2022, exemplify this trend by criminalising the dissemination of false information, which is determined by the government. 


As can be deduced from the above cases and legal frameworks in Turkey, the country’s laws are against international laws of freedom of speech, particularly breaches Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference by public authority.  The disinformation law also violates Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects the right to seek, receive, and impart information.  


In 2021, the ECHR ruled that Turkey violated freedom of expression rights in the case of Vedat Şorli, who faced criminal charges and pre-trial detention for criticising the president on social media.  The ECHR concluded that this conviction represented unjustified interference with Şorli’s freedom of speech and in a 2014 case, journalists Ahmet Şık and Nedim Şener were detained as part of the OdaTV investigation after publishing material critical of government-linked entities. The ECHR ruled that their detention violated both their rights to a fair trial and freedom of expression. 


Despite these findings, he Turkish government continues utilising the legal frameworks to arrest and detain different individuals who use social media to criticise the government. 

Lawyer Dilek Ekmekçi

The case of Dilek Ekmekçi highlights the ongoing challenges to judicial independence and freedom of expression in Turkey. Ekmekçi, after accusing prominent leaders of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of being involved in the assassination of former Grey Wolves leader Sinan Ateş, was arrested; her allegations targeted high-ranking MHP members, including figures close to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; she was charged with defamation and insulting public officials through social media posts. Despite an initial release, the prosecutor’s appeal led to her re-arrest by the Istanbul 25th High Criminal Court. 


In her court statements, Ekmekçi claimed that her detention was due to a fabricated indictment and referenced other government actions intended to undermine her legal standing. She cited instances where she was pressured, including through threats of psychiatric evaluations and multiple lawsuits. Ekmekçi’s defence argued that her prosecution was a retaliatory measure aimed at silencing her criticism, categorising the case as a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), often used to intimidate and suppress dissenting voices. 


The state of freedom of expression 

The state of freedom of expression in Turkey has reached a critical juncture, characterized by systemic repression and legal frameworks that stifle dissent. Recent legislative measures, such as the controversial “disinformation law” passed in October 2022, exemplify the government’s tightening grip on free speech, allowing for the criminalisation of information deemed false and imposing severe penalties for those who share it (Amnesty International, 2022).  


This law has been criticised for creating a chilling effect, deterring individuals from expressing their opinions, or engaging in public discourse for fear of prosecution. Additionally, the Turkish judiciary has increasingly become an instrument of political control, often disregarding rulings from the European Court of Human Rights that emphasise the protection of free expression (English PEN).  


The cases of lawyers like Dilek Ekmekçi, who faced charges under anti-terrorism laws for their advocacy work, highlight the precarious position of legal professionals in Turkey. As the government continues to utilise vague legal definitions to target critics, it undermines not only national constitutional guarantees but also international human rights obligations, effectively rendering freedom of expression nearly non-existent in Turkey’s current political climate (Freedom House).


Conclusion

It is evident that the Turkish government’s restructuring of the legal system aims to suppress all criticism of its officials and minimise freedom of expression. The excessive measures employed to address issues such as slander against officials do not resonate with the general public, and the blatant disregard for international law and democratic principles raises serious concerns that must be addressed. The legal profession, much like activism, journalism, and other sectors of society, deserves to uphold its freedom of expression. The direct targeting of the judicial system, evidenced by the significant number of lawyers arrested in less than a decade, signals a broader issue within the system and undermines the Turkish government’s claims of democracy. The case of Dilek Ekmekçi is not an isolated incident; rather, it reflects a troubling pattern of similar cases occurring throughout the country.

Featured Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

References

 i       Front Line Defenders. (n.d.). 14 lawyers arrested and charged. Front Line Defenders. Retrieved from https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/14-lawyers-arrested-and-charged 

 ii       International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger. (n.d.). Joint statement of international protest condemning Turkey’s arrest of Naim Eminoglu and Doğa İncesu of the Progressive Lawyers Association (CHD). International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger. Retrieved from https://protect-lawyers.org/en/joint-statement-of-international-protest-condemning-turkeys-arrest-of-naim-eminoglu-and-doga-incesu-of-the-progressive-lawyers-association-chd-2/ 

 iii      The Arrested Lawyers Initiative. (2024). Ankara appeal court defies ECHR, sentences 19 lawyers to 125 years. The Arrested Lawyers Initiative. Retrieved from https://arrestedlawyers.org/2024/01/31/ankara-appeal-court-defies-echr-sentences-19-lawyers-to-125-years/ 

 iv      Kandemir, E., & Hudson, M. (2022). Turkey’s new media law is bad news, but don’t report it. Brookings Institution. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/turkeys-new-media-law-is-bad-news-but-dont-report-it/ 

 v      Republic of Turkey. (1991). Anti-Terrorism Law (Law No. 3713) on crimes committed by terrorist organizations. Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey.

 vi      United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). United Nations Treaty Collection.  

  European Court of Human Rights. (2021). Şorli v. Turkey. European Court of Human Rights.

 vii    JURIST. (2021). Europe rights court: Turkey liable for freedom of expression right violation. JURIST News. Retrieved from https://www.jurist.org/news/2021/10/europe-rights-court-turkey-liable-for-freedom-of-expression-right-violation/ 

 ix    Turkish Minute. (2024). Lawyer arrested after accusing Erdogan, far-right ally of ex-Grey Wolves leader’s murder. Turkish Minute. Retrieved from https://www.turkishminute.com/2024/09/02/lawyer-arrested-after-accusing-erdogan-far-right-ally-ex-grey-wolves-leaders-murder/ 

 x    Amnesty International. (2022). Turkey: New disinformation law poses serious threat to freedom of expression. Amnesty International.  

 xi      English PEN. (n.d.). Turkey: Freedom of expression in jeopardy. English PEN. 



Education Monitor: Around The Globe between October 16th and October 31st, 2024 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between October 16th and October 31st, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

October-16th-till-October-31st-2024-Edition-1

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between October 1st and October 15th, 2024 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between October 1st and October 15th, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

October-1st-till-October-15th-2024-Edition

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.