09/15/2020 Turkey (International Christian Concern) – Today is the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN), marked with an opening session led by the new president, Turkish diplomat Volkan Bozkir. His new tenure as president of the UN has come under heavy criticism from multiple human rights perspectives.
From the religious freedom community, Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks have voiced their opposition because of Bozkir’s refusal to recognize Turkey’s role in their genocide. Many of Turkey’s current religious freedom violations trace back to this genocide, which is internationally recognized.
There is also concern that, given Turkey’s increased military belligerence and expansionism, their role leading the UN is inappropriate. Turkey’s military operations disproportionately impact local non-Muslim communities, the result of which often leads to ethnic cleansing and religious demographic changes. Given these activities, how Turkey will lead the UN during its tenure is of great concern to many within the region.
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