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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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01 December 2009

PRESS RELEASE: Turkey – IHRC expresses concern over Council of State’s recent decision regarding Turkey’s national university admission system

IHRC is extremely concerned about the Council of State’s recent decision regarding Turkey’s national university admission system which makes it almost impossible for graduates of the Islamic Vocational Schools (Imam Hatip Lisesi) to enrol onto programs that are not related to theology.

In July 2009 the Higher Education Board (YOK) changed the existing regulation in favour of vocational schools and enabled them to participate in the university admission system on an equal basis. However, the recent decision by the Council of State abolished this regulation, resulting in a great number of students refused entry into the universities of their choice.

 IHRC chairman Massoud Shadjareh stated that:

“The Council of State has a long history of discriminatory and anti-democratic decisions in Turkey and has held a notorious reputation for its anti-Islam stances. I strongly believe that the very existence of this outdated institution should be questioned, especially considering the existence of a Constitutional Court that already regulates compatibility of state laws and regulations, therefore making the role of the Council of State redundant.”

For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 07958 522196, email: info@ihrc.org. Interviews in Turkish available.[ENDS]

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The Islamic Human Rights Commission is an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org