International activities
of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) headquartered in Turkey contribute
to the country becoming not only a regional power, but also increasing its
sphere of influence in the Muslim World. The intensive efforts of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and other government institutions are crucial for Turkey
strengthening its ties in the wide geography of Muslim World, from Africa to
the Middle East, the Balkans to the Central Asia, and through to Southeast
Asia. Along with the state, the NGOs of Turkey have an increasing role in this
geography. Their efforts in humanitarian aid, social welfare projects, and infrastructure
support programs are of great significance for Turkey’s foreign policy goals. The
Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) is nearing
success on a proud achievement contributing to the building of bridges between
Turkey and Southeast Asia and IHH will open new horizons for the NGOs of the
Muslim World.
IHH is among Turkey’s
important NGOs operating in 136 countries. Officially institutionalized in 1995,
the activities of IHH began during the Bosnian War. Delivering humanitarian aid
and preventing violations of basic rights and freedoms are the main commitments
of the foundation. It is among the most successful NGOs in the world for its
aid and humanitarian diplomacy efforts on five continents. Member to six
umbrella organizations and awarded numerous times, IHH has grabbed worldwide attention.
Increasing its capabilities, the foundation became more active in contributing
to solutions for problems worldwide. IHH’s activities in the Philippines are significant.
Being a part of the peace process ending decades of war between the government
of Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) means a great deal
both for IHH and for the people who suffered from years of fighting.
The Republic of
Philippines is going through a momentous process that will affect the lives of
millions. The peace talks with the MILF have ended and a peace treaty was
signed between both parties on 27 March 2014. The signing of the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro will bring more than peace to Mindanao Island, where
a large portion of the population are Muslims. The struggle of the inhabitants
of Mindanao against the government has been ongoing for decades. The Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF), founded in 1970, was the first organized
group to confront the Filipino government. The government and the MNLF
initiated talks in 1976, and eventually in 1996, the government established the
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The MILF, which is the largest splinter
group of the MNLF, continued its struggle, for its members believed the terms
and conditions of the talks were not sufficient. Their struggle eventually gave
birth to a more extensive peace agreement including the establishment of an
autonomous state with broader borders that would have its own parliamentary
system, and a legal system based on sharia.
IHH is taking an
active role in the peace process as a member of the Third Party Monitoring Team
(TPMT), the main objective of which is to assure the fulfillment of the requirements
of the agreement. Hüseyin Oruç, member of board of directors, is the
representative of IHH and other members are Alistair MacDonald (Former EU Ambassador
to Philippines), Karen Tanada (Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute), and Steven
Rood (The Asia Foundation). The TPMT meets with both sides to make sure the
promises are fulfilled, and stays in contact with other parties to see the implications
of the process. As compelling as it may seem, both sides are committed to see
the completion of the process.
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07.04.2014 tarihinde şu adreste yayımlandı: http://www.turkeyagenda.com/ihh-contributes-to-peace-in-the-philippines-524.html
Published in the following link on 07.04.2014: http://www.turkeyagenda.com/ihh-contributes-to-peace-in-the-philippines-524.html
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