The Problem Of Individual Arming In Turkey: Solution Proposals Search Conference

24 September 2005

Nazire Dedeman
Founder President of Umut Foundation
Speech Text

Dear Guests,
Every year, on Individual disarming Day, we carry out some activities to attract public attention to the issue of individual disarming. We believe that social problems can be resolved through the increasing number and the uniting power of those who demand a resolution, and who show their reaction. 
Backed by this belief, this year, when we planned the Individual disarming Day, we seeked to achieve synchronous actions in different areas. The purpose was both to create public awareness, and explore ways of reaching a resolution through some concrete actions.. 
With the march of the “Silent Shoes” , which we organized again this year, we wanted to convey the silent cry of those who were killed by firearms to the silent segment of our society These silent shoes will trample on violence every year. With each year that passes, our voice will become stronger.
Last Sunday, our young people in the advertising department spent the whole day in a brainstorming session, discussing “Individual Disarming: Recognizing the right to live”, and came up with some impressive campaign ideas. 
The members of our respectable jury have determined the campaigns to receive awards. The winning campaign will appear in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television, and on billboards. It will call attention to the fact that weapons are deadly, and will invite our citizens to realize the importance of disarming. 
It is extremely important to create public awareness regarding a social problem. It is vital to maintain unity of opinion among the public, common sense in media broadcasting, and to keep the issue on their agenda and prevent loss of interest. 
Beyond these, there is one reality that we cannot escape from; the need for concrete, scientific studies regarding social problems; the importance of seeking different approaches, and suggestions from experts of the issue. 
With this belief, in cooperation with the İstanbul Governorship, we held an exploration meeting entitled “The issue of Individual Arming in Turkey: Suggestions for a Resolution”. After long and tiresome efforts, experts and scientists from various disciplines who have either studies or interest in this issue looked for an answer to the question: how can individual disarming be achieved?” and subsequently raised their suggestions. Today, in this hall, we will share the conclusion report with the public, and deliver it to the competent authority of our country, being the prime ministry to start with. 
We expect our suggestions to be given consideration, and work to begin on the necessary studies. We are hopeful; Because the Ministry of the Interior prepared a circular titled “Shooting with Firearms” and sent it to all of the governorships, and from the suggestions for investigations and new laws by some representatives, there are signs that some serious action will be taken on the issue. Furthermore, this year, for the first time a president emphasized the importance of individual disarming and stated that necessary action would be taken for gun prevention. The suggestions for a resolution are obvious. When the promises are kept, they will be the means for important steps to resolving this issue. 
I assure you here that the Umut Foundation (Hope Foundation) will tirelessly pursue the implementation of these suggestions. 
Before I end my speech, as part of the activities of 28 September Individual Disarming Day, I would like to thank the İstanbul governorship and our esteemed governor, Muammer Güler, for his valuable cooperation and contribution; the Beyoğlu Mayorship, the Consulate General of Netherlands, the Association of Advertisement Creators, the AKM (Ataturk Cultural Centre), the Borsa Restaurant and the Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition centre. 
Besides, I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to all the specialists and scientists who made an effort in raising suggestions for a resolution by attending our Exploration Meeting, the jurors and the contestants of the Brainstorming session; and you, for being here and showing your sensitivity. 
Let the future bring hope...