May 1, as the symbol of the rights struggle of the working class in history, is celebrated all over the world in order to remember the importance of labor and solidarity and to raise awareness about the rights of workers. The protection and promotion of human rights in working life is indispensable for economic and social development. In this context, it is important that all stakeholders cooperate in order to improve the working conditions of workers, prevent discrimination in employment and establish equality.

Persons may be subjected to discrimination on sex, race, color, language, religion, belief, sect, philosophical and political opinion, ethnic origin, wealth, birth, marital status, health status, disability and age; discrimination can occur both in the recruitment process and in the business relationship. This situation not only has devastating financial and moral consequences for those who suffer from discrimination, but also leads to the deterioration of labor peace and the inability to effectively use employment opportunities. In order to protect and promote the rights of workers, it is necessary to make legal arrangements in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination and equality, and to implement policies and practices that are appropriate for the purpose.

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention No. 111 of the International Labor Organization, to which our country is a party; defines discrimination as any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation.

Article 50 of our Constitution titled “Working conditions and right to rest and leisure” states that “No one shall be required to perform work unsuited to his/her age, sex, and capacity. Minors, women, and physically and mentally disabled persons, shall enjoy special protection with regard to working conditions. All workers have the right to rest and leisure.” With this provision it is emphasized that both basic working conditions and vulnerable groups should be specially protected.

With the Article 5 of the Labor Law No. 4857 titled “Principle of equal treatment” and Article 6 titled “Employment and Self-Employment” of the Law No. 6701 on the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, it is regulated that no discrimination is permissible in employment and the employer's obligation to treat equally are held.

HREIT carries out studies to prevent discrimination in employment, and carries out its institutional activities effectively in order to protect and promote the rights of employees, by carrying out awareness-raising activities on the point of not discriminating against people on the basis of sex, age, ethnicity, religion and disability, especially in the recruitment process.

HREIT, main mission of which is to ensure the right of people to be treated equally based on human dignity, and to prevent discrimination in the enjoyment of legally recognized rights and freedoms, commemorates May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day, with the hope for a world where all kinds of discrimination and inequality in employment will end and all workers can enjoy their rights on the basis of equal rights.

Respectfully announced to the public.