On February 27, a multi partnership human rights event was held at the Utah State University. The screening of The Other Children documentary and the Silent Screams exhibition shed light on human rights violations in Turkey, focusing on the stories of children growing up under oppression.
The event aimed to raise awareness of human rights abuses, particularly the challenges faced by children whose parents have been imprisoned. Following the documentary screening, a panel of experts, academics, and activists discussed the ongoing human rights violations, the hardships faced by exiled and incarcerated families, and the broader impact of state oppression. The participants then had the opportunity to discuss their takeaways and potential action items in interactive small circles.
“The Destruction of Academic Freedom: 8 Years in Prison”
The event’s coordinator, Assistant Professor Mehmet Soyer, a faculty member at Utah State University’s Department of Sociology, shared a powerful story about the crackdown on academic freedom in Turkey. He spoke about his former colleague Aziz, who was imprisoned for his academic work:
“Aziz was a far more brilliant academic than I was. After completing his education, he returned to Turkey, hoping to serve his country. But instead of being rewarded for his achievements, he was punished. He has been in prison for eight years now, with no known release date. If I had returned to Turkey at the same time, I might have suffered the same fate. Silencing intellectuals and scholars is not just a loss for individuals—it is a loss for the entire society.”
“Migrant Communities Living in Fear of Deportation”
Dr. Crescencio López González, Head of the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Utah State University, highlighted the ongoing struggles of Latin immigrants in the U.S.:
“These people flee violence in their home countries, only to face brutality at the border and the constant fear of deportation afterward. They did not choose this life, yet they live in fear every day. We need to listen to their stories, humanize their experiences, raise awareness, and organize to take action.”
Similarly, Abbas Ehsani, Outreach Director of Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection (CRIC), spoke about the experiences of Afghan refugee children:
“These children are grateful for the resources provided by the community, but sharing their stories does more than help us understand their experiences. It creates opportunities—access to education, healthcare, social activities, and therapy for children who have endured trauma.”
“Bearing Witness to Human Rights Violations: Hafsa Girdap”
Hafsa Girdap, Spokesperson for Advocates of Silenced Turkey and Gender & Immigration Researcher at Stony Brook University, addressed the systemic oppression faced by marginalized groups in Turkey:
*”Both The Other Children documentary and the Silent Screams exhibition serve as powerful testaments to ongoing human rights violations in Turkiye, particularly against stigmatized and dehumanized groups—including Kurdish communities, members of the Hizmet movement, and Alevis. These projects bridge the gap between abstract reports of oppression and the deeply personal stories of those affected, making it impossible to ignore the human cost of authoritarian policies.
At the local level, these initiatives provide a platform for discussions on democracy, human rights, and social justice. By engaging with universities, human rights organizations, and advocacy groups, the documentary and exhibition foster grassroots activism—empowering individuals to support asylum seekers, advocate for policy changes, and educate others about the realities in Turkiye.
At the global level, the impact extends beyond raising awareness—it is about creating international pressure on governments, human rights organizations, and policymakers to hold the Turkish government accountable. These projects also serve a crucial historical function—documenting the experiences of victims so that their suffering is neither forgotten nor repeated.”*
“We Must Be Their Voice in Free Countries”
During the panel discussion, speakers emphasized the importance of raising awareness and standing against human rights abuses. A powerful message was shared:
“The persecuted did not choose to leave their countries. Just as we did not choose to live in this country, they did not choose their fate. But now that we are here, in a free country, it is our responsibility to be their voice. Every time we remain silent, we allow injustice to continue. Telling these stories, raising awareness, and taking action is in our hands.”
Supporters and Collaborators
The event was organized with the support of various academic departments and civil society organizations, including:
- USU Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice
- USU Mountain West Center for Regional Studies
- USU Center for Community Engagement
- USU Heravi Peace Institute
- Utah Humanities
- United Nations Association of Utah
- Emerald Hills Institute
- Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection
Participants emphasized that the event was an important step in raising awareness of human rights violations and that similar initiatives must continue.
This event at Utah State University was a crucial effort in bringing global attention to human rights abuses in Turkiye and ensuring that the voices of victims are heard on an international scale.
“This program has received funding from Utah Humanities. Utah Humanities enriches our cultural, intellectual, and civic life by providing opportunities for all Utahns to explore life’s Utah Humanities
