Minister Kavaf: Social services undergoing transformation in mentality

After instituting a legal framework, we entered a process of mental transformation. We are experiencing a period where proper measures are being taken for disadvantaged groups in a number of fields, including educational facilities and social services.”

Speaking to Sunday’s Zaman, Kavaf underlines that the design of workplaces and cities to ensure greater participation by the handicapped will take some time; to shorten this period, civilian supervision and social sensitivity is needed, Kavaf adds. She further says generators of services should be trained to make sure they observe these sensitivities.

The handicapped have been neglected up until recently, Kavaf says. The minister also argues that the nation first started facing up to this problem during the mayoral service of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in İstanbul. Noting that their government has taken steps to address this issue, Minister Kavaf says: “The emphasis on the problems of handicapped and disadvantaged people is a fairly recent phenomenon in Turkey. This process was launched when our prime minister served as mayor of İstanbul. The whole issue gained momentum during our government's term in office. We have taken some bold steps to address the problems of these groups and develop social policies to this end. These people used to be locked up in the room of a house in the past. We have seen an era in which these people were neglected by even their own parents. … Addressing this problem was the responsibility of the state.”

Recalling that initial mayoral efforts had contributed to the visibility of the problem, Minister Kavaf notes that a whole new approach was devised, acknowledging the disabled as respected individuals. Kavaf, who recalls that the handicapped extensively contributed to positive developments in getting their rights recognized when it became evident that after getting proper training they could stand on their own two feet and make a living, further notes that they have successfully played their role in raising public awareness. Kavaf says the government is determined to increase the employment rate of the handicapped, adding that they will continue to remind the private sector of their responsibilities in this area.

The minister says the government is aware of its responsibilities in transforming the dominant mentality. “Initial steps taken by mayoral services have become even more concrete and fruitful after the introduction of revolutionary measures. We have also introduced measures that dealt with the fulfillment of demands and needs. I think measures with respect to inspection and sanctions should be considered from now on. We have to impose serious sanctions vis-à-vis unfulfilled and unperformed duties. We have to do this to ensure a change in mindset. Reluctance will prolong this period. We do not have the luxury of wasting time on this matter.”

Education in every field

In response to criticism that some of the measures taken to address problems faced by the handicapped are superficial, Kavaf says: “Yes, we receive these criticisms as well. Some of them are justified, but moving away from the approach of negligence alone is a sign of a change in mindset.”

“This is something about quality and raising awareness. You could build a ramp for the handicapped, but of what use is it if it cannot be used. In the end, we are talking about a wide sphere inclusive of construction projects, engineers endorsing the projects and technicians as well as workers building this building. It is a matter of experience and awareness to seek an answer to the question as to whether measures taken are usable and proper. We can draw this conclusion: If we are to build our workplaces and cities in consonance with the needs and demands of the handicapped, regular people should be trained to be considerate and sensitive to this.”

Noting that social awareness is needed to make sure the disadvantaged and handicapped can easily participate in social life, Kavaf further adds that a comprehensive educational program should be created to raise awareness. Recalling that this may take a fairly long time and is likely to encompass at least one generation, Minister Kavaf stresses that the program may be extended and intensified to shorten the time needed.

Physical obstacles in the workplace are the primary reason for the low rate of employment among the handicapped, Kavaf says. “A new design is needed for workplaces and public buildings. While these buildings were being constructed, the needs of the handicapped were ignored. Because it is a daunting task to redesign these structures, authorities may neglect this issue or construct further dysfunctional buildings. We have to overcome this problem through training and education. Only engineers able to appreciate the needs and considerations of the handicapped can focus on whether buildings meet the basic standards and requirements for the handicapped. Relevant classes should be inserted in the curricula of schools training civil engineers to raise awareness. Likewise, this should also be inserted in the curricula of teacher-training faculties. Lawyers should have the basic knowledge on the rights of the handicapped so that they can defend them if there is a violation. In other words, similar courses should be taught at law schools. We have to spread the educational program to all fields of life because a proper mindset requires this.”

Protocol of ‘violence’ with Interior Ministry

Noting that relevant bills were only recently introduced despite the fact that violence has been under discussion for a long time in Turkey, State Minister Kavaf says: “You can also observe the flaws of laws promulgated in good faith. We are seeking to address this problem by signing a protocol with the Interior Ministry.” Recalling that the protocol will address the problem of arbitrary practices under which persons victimized by domestic violence are returned by police departments to their homes, Minister Kavaf says: “Of course, I will not argue that things will go smoothly from now on. However, the will and request of the applicant victimized by domestic violence will be recorded by the police department. This protocol will prevent the return of the victims to their home without their consent.”

Stressing that a reconciliation lacking the agreement and consent of the victim may lead to graver problems, Kavaf recalls that this may leave the state responsible under international laws and regulations.

Police involvement in a domestic dispute may escalate violence and lead to undesirable consequences for the victims, Minister Kavaf says. “The European Court of Human Rights used to find Turkey guilty when the relatives of the person killed filed an application. A clarification of the ambiguity as to who is authorized to express his or her will or consent on where to live after an application to the police station because of domestic violence was needed. The ambiguity on this matter was a source of criticism. New regulations state that a form should be filled out at the police station. The form will include all information on the applicant and the police officers. The applicant is subsequently asked as where he or she wants to live from now on, whether he or she wants to go back home, go to a hospital or seek shelter in a social services facility. This decision is to be made by the victim. The victim's final decision is recorded on the form and further confirmed by the signature of the social services officer and a police officer. No decision is made without the expressed will or consent of the victim.”

Noting that the protocol also clarified the ambiguity as to who would stand before the court, Kavaf recalled that there were controversies on this matter before the introduction of the practice by which three signatures are secured to finalize the victim's decision. Stating that European countries went through a similar process in preventing violence, she also notes that they seek to address the problem of violence and the growing criticism via this protocol.

Self-criticism for the design of Parliament

State Minister Selma Aliye Kavaf acknowledges that Parliament, where bills in favor of handicapped and disadvantaged groups were introduced, itself has physical design flaws. “We have to engage in self-criticism. We are making revolutionary laws; however, we have failed to test the functionality of Parliament, the venue where this revolution is taking place.

Noting that the redesign of some parts of Parliament to make them more handicap-accessible was a striking example for their determination, Kavaf said: “Parliament wants to implement the new rules and realize the changes, but it also notices that it is not that easy. Some of the ramps rebuilt for the handicapped are so steep that it is impossible to travel up them.”

Stressing that they will address the problem of buildings not meeting handicap-accessible standards, Kavaf says the government may consider sanctions against municipalities and local administrations that fail to comply.