The second NGO training of the project "Strengthening the Respect for Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Turkey", conducted  by Istanbul Bilgi University Human Rights Law Research Center and supported by Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, held in Ankara between 6-8 October 2006.

Representatives of the NGOs located at Central Anatolia Region cities participated: The Society of Spinal Cord Paralytics Head Office and Ankara Office, Turkish Association for Visually Impaired People Ankara Office, Association for Persons with Disabilities of Turkey Ankara and Eskisehir Offices, Association of Volunteers for Social Sensitivity and Integration of People with Disabilities, Federation for Persons with Mentally Retardation, Muscular Diseases Association of Turkey Ankara Office, Accessible Life Association Ankara Office, National Federation for Hearing-Impaired  People of Turkey, Altinokta Association of Blind People Ankara and Kayseri Offices,Association of Visually Impaired Universal Jurists, Association of Multiple Sclerosis of Turkey Ankara Office, Human Rights Association Head Office, Organization for Human Rights and Solidarity of Opressed People, Amnesty International Turkey, Civil Society Development Centre, University of Abant İzzet Baysal, Community Volunteers Foundation, Middle East Technical University Disability Support Coordination Unit, Human Rights Joint Platform, Association for the Protection of the Blind Konya Office, Foundation of Women for Women’s Human Rights- New Ways.

The training lasted three days. The agenda of the training was designed together with RWI. Presentations regarding the standards set out in United Nations, Council of Europe and the European Union are preceded by an introduction to international human rights law. The afternoon session of the second day was devoted to the discussion of Turkish legislation on the most problematic 3 areas, namely labour law and social security, special education and housing. The 3rd day was devoted to group work on case studies where the participants put the knowledge they gained through the training into practice.

The local experts were selected by Bilgi University and the international expert was selected by RWI. The local experts were Dr. İdil Işıl Gül (Istanbul Bilgi University Faculty of Law),  Assoc. Prof. Gülsevil Alpagut (Istanbul University Faculty of Law), Ms. Güler Polat (Head of the Disability Law Commission at Istanbul Bar) and Ms. J. Işıl Bağatur. The international expert was Ms. Maria Ventegodt Liisberg (Researcher, Danish Institute for Human Rights).

Simultaneous translation, sign language for deaf participants and braille printed materials were available during the training. 

Please contact with Project Coordinator Asst. Prof. Dr. İdil Işıl Gül for more information at idil.gul@bilgi.edu.tr.