Family punishment in Turkey: The case of Melek İpek

Family punishment in Turkey: The case of Melek İpek

Written by Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo

The recent arrest of Melek İpek, the 78-year-old mother of Akın İpek, a prominent Turkish businessman who has been purged from the country, has brought renewed attention to the practice of family punishment in Turkey. This concept, also known as Sippenhaft—a term originating in Nazi Germany—refers to penalising family members for the actions of a relative, particularly in authoritarian regimes. According to the Stockholm Centre for Freedom, Melek İpek was sentenced to over six years in prison for alleged ties to the Gülen Movement, which the Turkish government has designated as a terrorist organisation since 2015 (Stockholm Centre for Freedom, 2023, p. 1).

 

This is an example of the ongoing violations of the rule of law in Turkey, which mandates that all individuals and institutions, including lawmakers and leaders, are accountable to the same laws. This fundamental principle, which underpins democratic governance, continues to be undermined in Turkey, particularly with respect to freedom of speech and association (Amnesty International, 2022, p. 3).

 

This article analyses cases like that of Melek İpek, explaining how Turkey’s legal system propagates family punishments and their effects. It further examines various methods employed by the Turkish government, including blacklisting, arbitrary detention, passport revocation, and property confiscation, as forms of collective punishment that undermine the rule of law and individual rights.

Historical Background

Family punishment has roots in authoritarian practices throughout history. The term Sippenhaft was notably used during Nazi Germany to hold family members accountable for the crimes of an individual. In Turkey, this practice has resurfaced as a tactic to suppress dissent against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration. The government has systematically targeted relatives of individuals associated with the Gülen Movement, aiming to deter opposition by instilling fear within families (Freedom House, 2023, p. 5).

The Turkish government uses the July 2016 coup attempt as justification for the imprisonment of anyone associated with suspected members of the movement. Anti-terrorism laws have been broadly interpreted to justify extensive crackdowns on dissent. For example, Melek İpek was convicted under these laws for “membership in a terrorist organisation,” reflecting a legal environment where mere association with disfavoured groups can lead to severe penalties. The vagueness of these laws raises significant concerns about due process and individual rights (Human Rights Watch, 2023, p. 7). Additionally, family members with no proven connection to any alleged crimes are frequently targeted, perpetuating a climate of fear and suppression.

Incidents of Family Punishments in Turkey

Melek İpek’s arrest is part of a broader pattern where family members of political dissidents face legal repercussions. Similarly, Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player, has spoken out about the harassment his family faced, which led him to cut ties with them in 2016 (Kanter Freedom, 2016, p. 3). His criticism of the government also resulted in his youth camp in New York being targeted. Another example is journalist Can Dündar, known for exposing government misconduct. His wife faced travel restrictions after his reporting on sensitive issues, such as Turkish intelligence’s arms transfers to Syria (Dündar, 2016, p. 4). Likewise, Hakan Şükür, a former football star and vocal critic of Erdoğan, has seen his relatives harassed and subjected to legal challenges following his departure from Turkey (Freedom House, 2023, p. 8).

The Stockholm Centre for Freedom reports that over two million individuals in Turkey have been blacklisted, including alleged supporters of the Gülen Movement and members of the Kurdish political movement. This blacklisting serves as a punitive measure, circumventing due process and resulting in severe restrictions on daily life. For instance, disabled teenagers have reportedly been denied benefits solely because their fathers were blacklisted (Stockholm Centre for Freedom, 2023, p. 12).

As of July 2023, over 122,000 individuals have been sentenced for alleged links to the Gülen Movement, with 12,108 still in prison. Such measures highlight the expansive reach of the government’s punitive practices, which extend far beyond individuals to encompass their families (Amnesty International, 2022, p. 15).

Legal Framework and Implications

The Gülen Movement was officially designated as a terrorist organisation (Fethullah Terrorist Organisation – FETO) in 2016, enabling the government to arrest and detain individuals under anti-terrorism statutes. By July 2023, over 117,000 terrorism-related convictions had been recorded (United Kingdom Government, 2023, p. 9).

This legal framework permits arbitrary detention without due process for individuals suspected of links to the Gülen Movement. Family members of alleged dissidents, including spouses and children, are frequently detained to coerce compliance or silence dissent. The Turkish government has faced widespread criticism for using vague definitions of terrorism to justify these actions (Human Rights Watch, 2023, p. 11). However, a lack of international accountability has allowed such practices to persist.

The erosion of judicial independence in Turkey further exacerbates these issues. Judges and lawyers have been dismissed or imprisoned for defending dissenting voices, leading to a judiciary that enables politically motivated prosecutions and undermines fair trial rights (Amnesty International, 2022, p. 17).

The Consequences

The implications of Melek İpek’s case extend beyond her individual circumstances. By extending punitive measures to family members, the government effectively discourages dissent and creates a culture of fear. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, are disproportionately affected. For instance, elderly individuals like Melek İpek suffer health complications exacerbated by detention, while disabled individuals are denied state benefits due to familial affiliations (Stockholm Centre for Freedom, 2023, p. 20).

The international community, including organisations such as Amnesty International, has condemned Turkey’s human rights record. Reports highlight abuses linked to anti-terrorism laws and call for reforms to protect individual rights. However, meaningful action, such as imposing sanctions or initiating diplomatic interventions, remains limited (Amnesty International, 2022, p. 22).

Conclusion

Melek İpek’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the Turkish government’s systematic use of family punishment as a tool for suppressing dissent. The legal framework surrounding her case reflects broader trends within Turkey’s authoritarian regime, where anti-terrorism laws are wielded to justify human rights violations and erode the rule of law. Addressing these systemic issues will be crucial for Turkey to restore individual freedoms and uphold democratic principles. The international community must take decisive action to hold the Turkish government accountable and advocate for the protection of human rights (Amnesty International, 2022, p. 25).

 

Reference List

  1. Stockholm Centre for Freedom. (2024). Family punishment in Turkey. Stockholm Centre for Freedom. Retrieved from https://stockholmcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Family-Punishment-in-Turkey.pdf
  2. Loeffel, R. (2012). Family punishment in Nazi Germany: Sippenhaft, terror and myth. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137021830
  3. UK Home Office. (2023). Country policy and information note: Gülenist movement, Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/turkey-country-policy-and-information-notes/475f9b93-76c5-4312-b918-68756604f8ed
  4. BBC News. (2016). Turkey coup attempt: US basketball star Enes Kanter disowns family. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37024429
  5. Middle East Eye. (n.d.). We are arrested: How one explosive story led Can Dündar to jail, exile and his life on stage. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/we-are-arrested-how-one-explosive-story-led-can-dundar-jail-exile-and-his-life-stage
  6. Nordic Monitor. (2021). Turkey issues 9 arrest warrants for top goal scorer who turned a critic of Erdoğan regime. Retrieved from https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/08/turkey-issues-9-arrest-warrants-for-top-goal-scorer-who-turned-a-critic-of-erdogan-regime/

Turkish authoritarianism continues to flout international law

Turkish authoritarianism continues to flout international law

The arrest of Orhan Artar, an internationally protected asylum seeker, highlights the growing trend of international repression practiced by Turkish leaders.

 

President Erdoğan has constructed a sophisticated apparatus of repression, reaching from domestic institutions to international arenas. This machinery has been activated at several pivotal moments: the Gezi Park protests, which revealed deep public discontent; the 2013 corruption probes, which threatened Erdoğan’s inner circle and were linked to Gülenist-aligned prosecutors; and the failed 2016 coup, widely seen by the government as the culmination of Gülenist infiltration. While Ankara blames the Gülen movement for the attempted coup, international observers have consistently dismissed this claim as politically motivated and unsubstantiated. Once allies, the movement and the ruling party are now fierce adversaries; the former has been designated a terrorist organisation by the Turkish state. Its alleged members have faced sweeping purges, arbitrary arrests, and extraterritorial targeting. The recent illegal deportation of Orhan Artar and his three children from Rwanda to Turkey illustrates the reach of this repression. Upon return, Mr. Artar was detained on suspicion of Gülenist ties, while his children were reportedly placed with relatives.

Who is Orhan Artar?

Orhan Artar is a father, husband, and educator.

In the aftermath of the 2016 coup attempt attributed to the Gülen movement, Turkish pressure prompted Pakistani officials to order the expulsion of 108 Turkish families. Among those affected was Orhan Artar, who, at the time, worked within a network of schools in Pakistan linked to the movement—an affiliation that drew official scrutiny. In response, the Artar family briefly went into hiding before registering for asylum with the UNHCR in Islamabad in 2017. This application was accepted which meant that: Orhan and his family could not be legally returned to a country where their safety and liberty would be threatened.

Despite the official protection offered, the family continued to feel unsafe in Pakistan as compatriots who had received similar legal protections were repatriated to Turkey. In 2018, Mr. Artar was charged in absentia in Turkey with an arrest warrant issued. The family sought refuge in Kenya where they remained until 2023. Here, the family parted ways as Mr. Artar did not have a valid passport; his wife and child went to claim asylum in Germany while he planned to meet them with the other three children later. Further complicating the issue, Mr. Artar’s wife eventually had her asylum claim rejected in May 2024. In spite of these difficulties, Mr. Artar planned to meet his wife and child in Germany, via Rwanda, this month. After travelling through Tanzania, Mr. Artar planned to fly to Belgium before finally reuniting with his family. Instead, Mr. Artar and his children were forcibly detained by Rwandan officials and forcibly deported to Turkey – where he currently awaits trial.

International Law

Seeking asylum is an inalienable human right protected under customary international law, human rights law, and treaty law. The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they face persecution, is enshrined in international law through the 1951 Refugee Convention. Both Rwanda and Turkey are signatories to the Convention meaning that both Mr. Artar and his family should enjoy these protections. In deporting the Artar family, Rwanda is in contravention of international law. Furthermore, if Turkey’s actions result in persecution or torture, it too risks breaching its obligations under both refugee and human rights law.

Turkish Repression

Transnational repression has become a systematic weapon wielded against Turkish dissidents based abroad. The Artar case is far from unique: over 100 Turkish nationals based abroad have been forcibly returned since 2016. Turkish authorities level diplomatic demands of repatriation of citizens abroad, with varying degrees of success. For example, while Sweden has steadfastly refused to comply with these demands, other states have proven much more open to accede. Pakistan, Rwanda, and Kenya have facilitated the repatriation orders in violation of international law.

Extrajudicial kidnappings are another tool of the Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT). Freedom House has reported that security forces brazenly carried out such an operation in Azerbaijan against Turkish businessman Uğur Demirok. Tajikistan has seen similar disappearances of at least two Turkish citizens who have since reappeared in Turkish prisons.

Broken Chalk

Broken Chalk stands with the international community in decrying the rise in transnational authoritarianism coming from Turkey. Orhan Artar is a symptom of the growing disdain exhibited by states towards international law. To stem the erosion of the international legal system, supranational organisations, states, and other stakeholders must address the rising tide of authoritarianism. Below are our demands to address the ongoing situation:

  1. Broken Chalk calls for the immediate release of Orhan Artar following his illegal repatriation and arbitrary detention.
    His continued imprisonment contravenes international refugee protections and the principle of non-refoulement. Turkey must release Mr. Artar and drop all charges linked to peaceful association or political affiliation.
  2. We call for an independent international investigation into the actions of both Rwandan and Turkish authorities.
    This investigation should examine the circumstances of Mr. Artar’s detention and deportation, the legality of Rwanda’s cooperation with Turkish demands, and any breaches of international human rights and refugee law.
  3. We urge the UNHCR and relevant UN Special Rapporteurs to publicly condemn this violation of international law.
    The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants should formally request information from both governments and raise the case before the Human Rights Council.
  4. We demand EU Member States suspend deportations to Turkey of individuals affiliated with the Gülen movement.
    Until credible safeguards are in place to prevent arbitrary detention or torture, no individual should be returned to Turkey where they face a real risk of persecution.
  5. We emphasise the binding obligation which states have undertaken to uphold their non-refoulement obligations and resist diplomatic pressure to return Turkish dissidents.
    The use of asylum law must remain rooted in principle, not politics. Countries must resist bilateral pressure and prioritise international legal standards over appeasement.
  6. We condemn the continued inaction of the international community to establish stronger safeguards to prevent transnational repression.
    This includes creating accountability mechanisms for states that collaborate in cross-border targeting of dissidents, especially where asylum seekers and refugees are involved.

Press Release: World Teachers’ Day 2025

Press Release: World Teachers’ Day 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broken Chalk Statement on World Teacher’s Day

By Leticia Cox

 Press Release: World Teachers’ Day 2025

“Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”

Broken Chalk Celebrates World Teachers’ Day 2025: Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.

Broken Chalk proudly joins the international community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day 2025, honoring educators who continue to inspire, empower, and collaborate to shape the future of learning.

This year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” underscores the importance of cooperation, peer learning, and shared responsibility in strengthening education systems worldwide. Teaching is evolving beyond the classroom; it is becoming a collective mission built on unity, mentorship, and the exchange of knowledge.

Across the globe, teachers are adapting to new technologies, addressing learning inequalities, and fostering inclusive environments through collaboration. Their collective efforts are essential in ensuring that education remains equitable, innovative, and resilient in the face of global challenges.

On this World Teachers’ Day, Broken Chalk reaffirms its commitment to advancing educational equity and supporting the professional growth and safety of teachers worldwide. The organization continues to advocate for:

  • Collaborative professional development that empowers educators to learn and innovate together.
  • Academic freedom and teacher protection, ensuring educators can teach without fear or restriction.
  • Inclusive and equitable education systems that recognize the collective strength of teachers in driving progress.

Education thrives when teachers collaborate. Broken Chalk celebrates every educator who contributes to this shared mission — building bridges of knowledge, community, and opportunity for all.

Broken Chalk Statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 

Broken Chalk Statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Broken Chalk Statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 

By Leticia Cox   

Date: 30 July 2025 

 A Global Silence: Confronting the Epidemic of Missing and Trafficked Children 

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Broken Chalk raises an urgent alarm about one of the most devastating and underreported crises of our era: the widespread trafficking and disappearance of children.  

From war-torn provinces to bustling urban centres and hidden online spaces, children are vanishing—many into exploitative systems that thrive on silence and impunity. 

The renewed public interest sparked by developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case reminds the world that trafficking is not confined to remote or unstable regions—it infiltrates elite circles, crosses international borders, and exploits the world’s most vulnerable populations. As attention returns to the global crisis of missing and trafficked children, Broken Chalk demands a unified international response to a problem that transcends geography. 

North America: Indigenous Communities in the Crosshairs 

In Canada and the United States, Indigenous children face disproportionate risks of trafficking. Despite representing a small fraction of the population, Indigenous women and girls account for roughly 50% of all trafficking victims in Canada. In the U.S., up to 40% of trafficking survivors in some regions are Indigenous, often enduring cycles of abuse rooted in systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and historical displacement. Underreporting, legal loopholes, and jurisdictional confusion further obscure the true scale of this crisis. 

 Africa: The Hidden Epidemic 

Across the African continent, thousands of children vanish each year. Many are trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or ritual killings—particularly during election seasons or business ceremonies where traditional “muti” medicine fuels demand. 

Contributing factors include: 

  • Cross-border trafficking for labour, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting. 
  • Digital grooming, with traffickers exploiting social media to lure victims. 
  • Corruption and institutional failure paralyse investigations and silence cases before they’re even reported. 

 

This is not simply a law enforcement issue—it is a structural failure, and it is costing lives. 

Asia: Trafficking in the Shadows of War and Poverty 

In South and Central Asia, endemic poverty and armed conflict create ideal conditions for child trafficking. 

  • In Pakistan, up to 4,300 children are reported missing annually. 
  • In Sri Lanka, unresolved “white van” abductions from the civil war era still haunt families. 
  • In Afghanistan, the continued exploitation of young boys through bacha bāzī persists, often shielded by corrupt officials. 

Despite international scrutiny, justice remains elusive and protection mechanisms remain weak. 

Europe: Disappeared in the Heart of Civilisation 

In Europe, trafficking networks have evolved to exploit migrant and vulnerable children with chilling efficiency. Between 2021 and 2023, over 51,400 migrant children went missing across the continent—an average of 47 children every single day (Lost in Europe, 2025). The majority were unaccompanied minors or children in state care. 

In Eastern and Central Europe, most trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation. 

In Western Europe, forced labor and criminal exploitation of boys are on the rise. 

Trafficking in Europe is not a fringe issue—it is a mainstream human rights emergency hiding behind closed doors. 

 Australia & New Zealand: Legal Frameworks Lag Behind Reality 

In Australia, the 2013 case of R v KAK, involving the sexual exploitation of a 12-year-old girl trafficked by her own mother, remains the country’s only conviction for child trafficking. More than a decade later, legislation continues to fall short, failing to clearly define or prosecute child trafficking cases. 

New Zealand, too, shows troubling signs of institutional inertia. Despite evidence in cases like that of ‘Grace’—a severely abused 13-year-old—no trafficking charges were brought. Experts warn that laws on the books rarely translate into protection on the ground. 

South America: Trafficking in the Crosswinds of Inequality and Migration 

Human trafficking continues to pose a growing threat across South America, where systemic inequality, organised crime, mass migration, and limited institutional oversight converge to create a high-risk environment for exploitation. 

Countries such as Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and others function as source, transit, and destination points—underscoring the urgent need for coordinated regional strategies. According to the UNODC, 13% of all trafficking victims detected in Central and Western Europe originate from South America. In MERCOSUR border zones, more than 3,500 victims have been identified in the last five years—60% women, 30% minors, with nearly half subjected to sexual exploitation and 38% forced into brutal labour. 

Children and adolescents in particular face harrowing levels of vulnerability. In rural Andean communities, remote Amazonian territories, and dense border regions, minors are trafficked for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced labour, and even organ harvesting. 

Reports from Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana confirm the use of children in illegal mining operations and cross-border smuggling routes. 

Migrant children, especially Venezuelans in transit, are heavily targeted due to their undocumented status and social isolation. Victims as young as 11 years old have been identified. 

Adolescent girls are increasingly trafficked in urban centres like Bogotá, Santiago, and Lima. 

While promising initiatives like the Ecuador–Peru Binational Immediate Response Team offer hope, the broader institutional response remains fragmented and insufficient. High-risk zones—such as Madre de Dios (Peru), Norte de Santander (Colombia), Tarapacá (Chile), and the Triple Frontier—demand urgent, coordinated, and child-centred interventions. 

Broken Chalk’s Global Call to Action 

We cannot combat what we refuse to acknowledge. Broken Chalk urges:  

  • National child alert systems to be implemented and standardised across regions. 
  • Legal harmonisation to close jurisdictional gaps that let traffickers operate with impunity. 
  • Cross-border collaboration for victim recovery, support, and long-term reintegration. 
  • Significant investment in child protection systems, especially in post-conflict and high-migration zones. 
  • Accountability for institutions whose negligence or corruption enables exploitation. 
  • Silence Is Not Neutral—It Is Complicity 

 As Broken Chalk continues our investigations into child trafficking and disappearance worldwide, one truth stands out: trafficking doesn’t only happen in hidden corners of the world. It happens behind the closed doors of luxury homes, in chat rooms, on refugee routes, and in regions left to fend for themselves. 

The Epstein case may be legally closed—but it remains wide open in the court of public conscience. We will continue to ask hard questions and expose the truths that others try to bury. 

We owe every victim—named and unnamed, seen and unseen—nothing less. 

 

END 

Bridging the Gap: Broken Chalk Marks World Rural Development Day with a Call for Equal Education Access.

Bridging the Gap: Broken Chalk Marks World Rural Development Day with a Call for Equal Education Access.
PRESS RELEASE

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 16 July 2025 – On this World Rural Development Day, Broken Chalk reaffirms its unwavering commitment to closing the rural-urban divide in education.

Bridging the Gap: Broken Chalk Marks World Rural Development Day with a Call for Equal Education Access

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 16 July 2025.  

On this World Rural Development Day, Broken Chalk reaffirms its unwavering commitment to closing the rural-urban divide in education. 

As the world highlights the role of rural communities in sustainable development, we call attention to the millions of learners in these areas who are being left behind—by geography, by infrastructure, and by policy.

The theme promoted by the United Nations for this observance recognizes the vital contributions rural populations make to food security, climate resilience, and cultural preservation.

However, education remains the missing link in unlocking the full potential of rural communities.

In many parts of the world, especially in the Global South, access to quality education is not a right—it’s a privilege, and one far too often denied to rural children.

Broken Chalk, an international human rights organization dedicated to eliminating education inequality, has consistently exposed the systemic barriers faced by rural learners, from a lack of trained teachers and digital infrastructure to language barriers and cultural marginalization.

Rural girls, children with disabilities, and those in conflict zones face even steeper challenges.

The Broken Chalk team and its interns firmly believe that “Without equitable access to education, rural development is merely a slogan.” True empowerment of rural communities must begin with classrooms that are inclusive, accessible, and grounded in cultural relevance.

In alignment with the UN’s 2030 Agenda and SDG 4 (Quality Education), Broken Chalk continues to advocate for increased public investment in rural schools and digital learning infrastructure.

Localized teacher training and incentives to retain educators in underserved regions.

Protection of education in rural conflict zones.

Culturally sensitive curricula that reflect the realities and wisdom of rural life.

Voices from the Field.

Broken Chalk’s recent field research and interviews with rural youth in Sub-Saharan Africa reveal a shared desire: “We don’t want to leave our villages to learn; we want to learn and stay, to grow our own communities.”

To support rural resilience, education cannot be an afterthought—it must be the cornerstone.

On this World Rural Development Day, Broken Chalk invites educators, policymakers, and civil society groups to join hands in creating inclusive educational ecosystems. Because when we uplift rural learners, we uplift the world.

 

Download the pdf here.

 

Featured Photo: Adobe Stock/Lertluck Thipchai

Sources:

www.brokenchalk.org

https://www.un.org/en/observances/rural-development-day

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between June 1st and June 51th, 2025 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between June 1st and June 15th, 2025 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.

June-1st-till-June-15th-2025

 

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 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 May 16th and May 31st, 2025 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between May 16th and May 31st, 2025 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.

May-16th-till-May-31st-2025

 

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 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.

Press Release: International Day of Women in Diplomacy

Date: 24 June 2025

Honouring the Trailblazers: Broken Chalk Celebrates International Day of Women in Diplomacy

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – On this International Day of Women in Diplomacy, Broken Chalk proudly joins the global community in recognising and honouring the immense contributions of women who champion peace, justice, education, and human rights on the world stage.
Diplomacy has long been a field dominated by men, yet history and the present are rich with courageous, intelligent, and visionary women who have reshaped global relations and advanced human dignity. Today, we salute not only the female diplomats occupying official positions in foreign ministries and multilateral institutions, but also the women advocating tirelessly through education, civil society, and grassroots movements—often in spaces where diplomacy takes on many forms.
At Broken Chalk, we believe education is a powerful diplomatic tool. Women educators, advocates, and policy leaders play a pivotal role in peace-building and preventing human rights violations, particularly in regions where access to education and freedom of expression remain fragile.
“The strength of diplomacy is not measured solely in treaties signed or conflicts avoided, but in the ability to listen, to include, and to lead with empathy,” says Broken Chalk Media Spokesperson/Reporter and Project Specialist Leticia Cox. “Women bring these qualities to the diplomatic table and beyond, helping to forge a more inclusive and equitable global future.”
We echo the United Nations’ call for equal representation and meaningful participation of women in all areas of diplomacy. As global crises—from conflict to climate change—continue to demand collaborative and compassionate leadership, the voices of women are not just welcome—they are essential.
Broken Chalk remains committed to supporting women’s leadership in diplomacy and education worldwide. On this day, and every day, we advocate for systemic change that empowers women and girls to lead, negotiate, and inspire in all spheres of influence.
Let today serve as a reminder: when women lead in diplomacy, the world becomes a more peaceful, just, and educated place.

 

Broken Chalk Communications Team
www.brokenchalk.org

Image by Leticia Cox

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between May 1st and May 15th, 2025 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between May 1st and May 15th, 2025 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.

May-1st-till-May-15th-2025

 

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 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.

Child sexual exploitation in the United Kingdom

Child sexual exploitation is a devastating problem that continues to be persistent all around the world, including in the United Kingdom. The UK has taken several steps to combat CSE, such as implementing legislation, developing policies and programs, and collaboratingwith various entities. In this article, we will explore these efforts.

But first, what is child sexual exploitation? The UK government has defined Child sexual exploitation as a form of child sexual abuse. Which occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. CSE does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through technology. The exchange can be tangible or intangible or as the prevention of something negative, for example, a child who engages in sexual activity to stop someone from carrying out a threat to harm their family.

Legislative Actions

The UK has established an extensive legal framework to criminalize CSE. Some of the most important acts in relation to CSE are;

The Sexual Offence Act 2003 which covers most sexual crime laws in the UK. It criminalizes several offences related to CSE, such as;

– Grooming a child for sexual activity
– Paying for the sexual services of a child
– Causing/inciting/arranging/facilitating childprostitution or pornography
– Trafficking children for sexual exploitation

The Protection of Children Act 1978 which criminalizes taking, distributing, possessing with a view to distribute, or publishing indecent images of children. Later, the Criminal Justice Act 1988 criminalizes having indecent images of children in your possession.

The Online Safety Act 2023 which requires companies to prevent children from accessing harmful content online and provide easy ways to report issues when problems arise online. This act also has created measures companies must follow to tackle illegal content, such as child sexual exploitation and abuse materials, and grooming.

Lastly, the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (Sarah’s Law) which allows parents and caregivers to inquire with the police about whether an individual who interacts with their child has a record for child sexual offences.

Reporting and seeking support

When someone wants to report (suspected) child sexual exploitation or wants to reach out to receive advice orhelp, they can get in contact with the following:

– The local council’s children’s social care team, to report (suspected) child abuse
– The police, to report (suspected) child abuse
– NSPCC, to discuss concerns about suspected child abuse and to receive advice.
– ChildLine, a 24/7 free helpline for any child seeking advice or support
– Child Exploitation and Online Protection’s Child Protection Advisors, to report grooming, online sexual abuse, or the way someone is communicating online

Policies and Programs

Besides the legislative actions, several policies and programs have been developed to prevent CSE or to support its victims.

Campaigns for awareness and prevention

Some of the campaigns that have been created are;

Stop it now! campaign, created by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. This initiative aims to prevent individualsfrom engaging in online child sexual abuse.

Something’s not Right campaign aims at helping secondary school children recognize and report exploitation.

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has created two campaigns on self-generated child sexual abuse material. Firstly, the TALK campaign which encouraged parents to Talk, Ask, Learn, and Know with their children about online dangers. Secondly, the Gurls Out Loud campaign which empowers children to recognize and reject exploitative online interactions.

Besides these four campaigns, many more campaigns and initiatives have been created, covering a wide range of issues.

Training and support for professionals

To effectively prevent CSE and support victims, professionals need to have sufficient knowledge to identify and address CSE. Many training programs have been created by several NGOs and organizations;however, participation is not mandatory. This lack of enforcement limits and reduces the reach and effectiveness of these programs.

Recovery services for victims

Recovery services are essential for helping victims. One recent initiative is the Lighthouse, based on the ‘Barnahus’ model, which provides a child-friendly environment where victims receive medical care, therapy, and legal support. Unfortunately, there is currently only one Lighthouse in England and one in Scotland, limiting its reach.

​When victims seek psychological help, they are often referred to NHS services; here, victims often face long waiting times, a lack of specialized care, and an insufficient number of sessions. Additionally, the lack of consistent funding for services like Rape Referral Centers worsens these problems.

Collaboration

Addressing CSE requires cooperation across agencies, sectors, and borders. The UK has made significant efforts in collaboration to combat CSE.

National partnerships

Nationally, mechanisms such as the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and the Hydrant program have been created. MAPPA is focused on bringing together police, probation, and social services to manage risks posed by offenders. Whereas the Hydrant Program leads the CSE task force, developingbest-practice advice, developing strategies, and creatingpolicies for tackling CSE.

International Cooperation

As CSE is a borderless crime and a global problem, it is important that international cooperation exists. Some of the cooperations and initiatives the UK has been part of are;

– WeProtect Global Alliance, uniting 300 members worldwide to combat OCSE
– The Five Country Ministerial, an annual conference that brings together the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand. Together, they created the ‘Five Eyes Voluntary Principles to Counter Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse’. These principles are created for companies and cover issues such as online grooming and live streaming of child sexual abuse to industry transparency and reporting
– The virtual Global Task Force, a partnership of law enforcement agencies around the world who operate together to tackle global (online) child sex abuse.

To conclude, despite these efforts, gaps and challenges remain. Mandatory training for professionals is still lacking, and recovery services for victims are underfunded. Victims have stated that the waiting time for mental health support is way too long and have highlighted a lack of specialized care. The reach of initiatives like the Lighthouse must be expanded, and consistent funding for victim services must be established. Lastly, greater data collection and monitoring of victims is needed.

Sources:

Department for Education ‘Guidance; Child Sexual Exploitation: definition and guide for  practitioners’ (United Kingdom Government, 2017) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-sexual-exploitation-definition-and-guide-for-practitioners Accessed 30 October.

Sexual Offences Act 2003

’Protection of Children Act 1978

Criminal Justice Act 1988  

Online Safety Act 2023

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