What role can the international community play in defending human rights in Turkey? As political repression becomes increasingly normalized and authoritarianism tightens its grip, organizations like AST (Advocates of Silenced Turkey) call on the world not to turn a blind eye. Silence is not neutrality—it’s complicity. Every day that repression continues unchecked, more lives are shattered, more voices are silenced, and more democratic norms are eroded.

That’s why AST has spent years creating a robust platform of verified research, survivor testimonies, and advocacy strategies designed to inform and mobilize global action. From the halls of international institutions to the hands of everyday citizens, this article translates AST’s insights into tangible steps we can all take to support freedom in Turkey.

Understanding AST’s Mission

Founded by Turkish exiles in the U.S., AST is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. More than just a watchdog, AST operates as a bridge between victims and the global community.

Their activities include:

• Publishing detailed reports on human rights violations, which are accessible to journalists, legal professionals, and policymakers see reports.

• Organizing awareness campaigns like the Exhibition of Silent Screams, currently displayed in U.S. State Capitol Buildings to highlight human rights violations in Turkey. See exhibition.

• Providing direct support for victims of persecution, especially those navigating exile, asylum, and trauma recovery volunteer page.

AST believes that silence breeds impunity, but truth—when amplified—can spark change. Through storytelling, documentation, and advocacy, AST transforms the voices of victims into powerful tools for justice.

Why Global Involvement Matters

Alt text:Hands gently holding a glass globe of the Americas, symbolizing global advocacy and protection—representing AST’s commitment to human rights.

Political repression in Turkey does not occur in a vacuum—it reverberates across borders. When fundamental freedoms are crushed in one part of the world, it weakens the global framework that protects democracy and human rights everywhere. Violations in Turkey contribute to broader instability by fueling migration crises, damaging economic ties, and encouraging other governments to adopt repressive tactics with impunity.

Moreover, the silence of the global community often emboldens authoritarian leaders. Without accountability, restrictions on speech, press, and civic participation can quickly become the norm. In contrast, international pressure and solidarity send a powerful message: repression is not acceptable, and the world is watching.

Supporting AST’s mission, therefore, is not just about defending Turkish citizens—it’s about standing up for a global order rooted in justice, dignity, and democratic values.

1. Leverage Political Influence

When democratic governments and international institutions remain silent, authoritarian regimes act with impunity. AST believes that governments must put human rights at the core of foreign policy, especially when dealing with nations where democratic backsliding is evident.

Urge Diplomatic Pressure

Governments and intergovernmental organizations must take a firmer stance on Turkey's declining democratic norms. AST recommends:

• Placing human rights at the center of bilateral relations

• Making aid and trade agreements contingent on improvements in civil liberties

• Supporting resolutions that call out political repression at the United Nations

These measures send a clear message: international cooperation is conditional on respect for fundamental freedoms.

Demand Transparency

Turkey’s government must be held accountable through consistent diplomatic pressure. Democratic countries should:

• Publicly call for the release of political prisoners and journalists

• Advocate for the reinstatement of tens of thousands of purged civil servants

• Push for independent investigations into allegations of torture and unlawful detentions

By raising these demands in bilateral meetings, at global summits, and through public declarations, the international community can apply critical pressure that signals solidarity with victims.

2. Support Independent Media and Journalists

Fund Exiled and Citizen Journalists

Journalists remain among the most vulnerable targets of political repression in Turkey. AST has consistently documented the harassment, detention, and criminalization of both professional and citizen journalists. To counter this crisis, international allies can:

• Provide emergency grants and shelter for journalists at risk

• Offer workshops on digital security, legal rights, and investigative reporting

• Create or fund online platforms that publish uncensored Turkish-language reporting

These forms of support allow silenced voices to continue informing the public—even from exile.

Combat Censorship

Turkey has implemented aggressive internet laws that require social media companies to appoint government-aligned representatives and comply with takedown requests. In response, AST encourages international organizations and technology firms to:

• Uphold commitments to free expression by resisting politically motivated censorship

• Ensure circumvention tools (VPNs, proxies) remain available and legal

• Promote encrypted communication and anonymous tip lines for whistleblowers and reporters

Defending media freedom requires more than condemnation—it demands tangible tools and solidarity.

3. Engage in Strategic Advocacy

Amplify Verified Stories

Personal testimonies are central to humanizing the impact of political repression. AST collects and verifies detailed accounts from victims—teachers, judges, doctors, journalists, and families torn apart by persecution. AST encourages:

• NGOs and media outlets to reference these first-hand accounts in their advocacy materials

• Social media users to amplify survivor voices through responsible sharing and hashtag campaigns

• Academics, filmmakers, and artists to adapt these stories into accessible formats like documentaries, art exhibits, and scholarly articles

These narratives challenge misinformation and generate empathy that statistics alone cannot.

Collaborate with Diaspora Movements

The Turkish diaspora—dispersed across Europe, North America, and beyond—remains a powerful force for truth and justice. AST works alongside diaspora groups to:

• Support legal initiatives that bring cases of torture and arbitrary detention before international courts

• Empower grassroots advocacy through petitions, marches, and educational workshops

• Coordinate media campaigns and podcast series that document repression in real-time

Through these collaborations, the diaspora not only keeps the issue alive globally but also empowers victims by giving them a renewed voice abroad.

4. Strengthen Legal Pathways for Victims

Expand Asylum Opportunities

Many victims of political repression in Turkey face persecution, wrongful imprisonment, or torture. AST actively supports these individuals in seeking safety beyond their borders. To that end, international governments can:

• Prioritize asylum applications for human rights defenders, journalists, and persecuted minorities

• Streamline and humanize the refugee application process to reduce retraumatization

• Offer legal assistance and trauma-informed psychological support during resettlement

This type of proactive support transforms survival into stability, helping victims rebuild their lives with dignity.

Support Transitional Justice Efforts

Looking ahead to a future democratic recovery, AST calls for the global community to begin laying the groundwork for justice. This includes:

• Archiving and preserving documentation of abuses to support future criminal proceedings

• Establishing truth commissions where survivors can share their stories in pursuit of national healing

• Encouraging legal scholars and international judges to assist with reforms of Turkey’s justice system when political conditions allow

By investing in these long-term mechanisms now, the world prepares for accountability tomorrow.

5. Educate and Mobilize Your Community

Host Events and Discussions

Awareness begins with local conversation. AST recommends:

• Hosting panel discussions or webinars featuring Turkish scholars, survivors, or advocates

• Organizing creative events like art shows, film screenings, or literature circles that highlight repression

• Collaborating with universities, faith organizations, and NGOs to bring visibility to the issue

These grassroots events generate empathy and education, transforming passive audiences into informed allies.

Become a Digital Advocate

Your online presence can be a powerful platform. AST encourages digital allies to:

• Share verified stories, statistics, and reports from AST’s official channels

• Use targeted hashtags to amplify visibility of Turkish human rights issues

• Tag decision-makers, human rights bodies, or media outlets to urge them into action

In the digital era, every click, share, and post can help shift narratives and pressure institutions.

Real Change Begins with Real Action

• While media attention may fade, the reality for victims of political persecution in Turkey is unrelenting. Every day, families are torn apart, careers are destroyed, and the silence surrounding injustice grows louder. AST reminds us that the cost of indifference is high—but the reward of solidarity is greater.

• Action—no matter how small—can help dismantle this machinery of oppression. Whether it’s retweeting a survivor’s story, writing to a local representative, or hosting a public event, these acts help restore dignity and truth. AST urges everyone who believes in freedom and justice to move beyond sympathy and into commitment.

• Global change starts with local action. And it starts today.

How You Can Help AST Right Now

• Explore AST’s blog to learn more
  The blog features firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and critical updates on human rights issues in Turkey. Reading and sharing these insights amplifies voices often ignored. Visit: Read their stories

• Join the volunteer network
  AST depends on a global community of volunteers—writers, designers, lawyers, translators, and data researchers. You can lend your expertise or time to support their mission. Learn how to join: Volunteer

• Partner or collaborate
  NGOs, media outlets, advocacy groups, universities, and student organizations can co-create content, host events, and launch joint campaigns. AST welcomes strategic partnerships that expand awareness and build pressure for change.

• Promote AST’s findings in your own network
  Use your digital presence—whether through newsletters, webinars, or classroom discussions—to share AST's research and stories. These materials provide compelling evidence and narratives for civic education and human rights dialogue.

• Support morally and vocally
  Even if you can’t volunteer directly, vocal support goes a long way. Comment on AST’s posts, share on social media, or simply tell a friend. Every voice added to the conversation weakens the impact of censorship.

The Global Fight for Freedom Starts with AST

In a time when democratic values are under siege, AST emerges as both a witness and a catalyst. By meticulously documenting human rights abuses and amplifying the voices of survivors, AST provides the world with an honest lens into Turkey’s crisis—and a pathway toward justice.

Their recommendations aren’t just suggestions; they are calls to conscience. Governments, institutions, and individuals alike can act. Not tomorrow. Now.

Freedom is not self-sustaining. It must be defended, renewed, and rebuilt. AST stands on the front lines of that effort—and we can, too.

If we truly value democracy, justice, and human dignity, we must not look away.

Stand with AST. Speak out. Act now.

FAQs

What does AST stand for?
AST stands for Advocates of Silenced Turkey, a nonprofit defending human rights and democracy in Turkey.

How can individuals help victims of government oppression in Turkey?
By supporting AST, sharing verified stories, volunteering skills, and urging policymakers to pressure the Turkish government.

Is AST a trustworthy source of human rights documentation?
Yes. AST collaborates with international institutions and bases its reports on verified data, survivor testimonies, and independent research.