The Human Rights Association (IHD) issued a written statement to mark 21 February, International Mother Language Day. Celebrating the day in three languages, the IHD said: “Homologation and assimilation policies ​​should be removed as should the obstacles preventing languages. People should be ensured to speak in their own language, receive education, and continue their lives and cultures.”

The IHD statement added: “Unfortunately, languages ​​continue to disappear around the world and many languages ​​are under threat. Disappearing languages ​​and threatened languages ​​are languages ​​of minority or communities that do not have the right to take initiative when it comes to their own sovereignty and use of their mother language. The mother tongue is a language in which the members of the community most easily socialize, interact and develop. Therefore, recognizing the mother tongue as well as the right to education on one’s own mother language is a fundamental human rights. It is one of the fundamental human rights to ensure that mother tongues can be used in all areas of life. Communities that have the right to education in their mother tongue will develop more in every sense and eliminate inequality between communities. In addition, all studies show that children who receive education in their mother tongue are pedagogically more successful."

Three languages ​​spoken in Turkey have been lost, while 15 languages ​​face disappearance, said the IHD adding: "Although many languages ​​are spoken in Turkey, only some other than Turkish are taught as an elective course starting from 5th grade. However, if less than 10 students choose a language in a school, it is not possible to teach that language. The issues regarding the training of teachers and the desired quality of course materials are still not sufficient."