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The disciplinary regulation issued by the Council of Ministers and aimed to be implemented in secondary education had remarkable repercussions not only in the field of education but also within the overall social structure. In a short period of time, the amendment to this regulation has triggered debates which did not only involve students, parents and teachers, but also wider segments of the society. However, the most important issue is the extent to which this regulation contradicts with the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) regarding children’s rights. These judgements emphasize that children’s religious and cultural beliefs must be respected and that objective criteria must be put into place, especially in the field of education.
In its judgements on the prohibition of religious symbols in educational institutions, the ECtHR has evaluated the issue within the context of not undermining the principles of pluralism, not violating other rights guaranteed by the ECHR, and not harming the freedom of belief and worship. The Court also stated that students are vulnerable and that religious symbols could create pressure in the school environment. Furthermore, in some other judgements, it has concluded that the ban is proportionate and necessary in a democratic society.
We can understand the consequences of bans on religious attire by analyzing the situation in Turkey as the most proximate example. Today, the political structure, which symbolizes lawlessness where all powers are concentrated in the hands of a single person, has emerged as a consequence of these bans, and has led to the empowerment of political Islam, which for years has been acting in disguise. It is useful to keep this in mind.
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Looking at the social effects of the regulation, it is not difficult to see that such an amendment does nothing but fuel polarization within the society. The dress code of children at schools has been transformed from an educational matter into a social and political tool. In this process, the government has taken on the role of a puppet that follows the instructions it receives and has taken part in the imposition of political Islam on society. This imposition should be interpreted not only as a matter of simple attire, but also as an effort to polarize society and pull it in the direction desired in the upcoming critical election processes. I see no harm in stating it clearly that this action has got nothing to do with the freedom of religion and belief amongst children. Trying to shape the future by turning children into figures of political and religious ideologies will damage not only education but the entire social structure.
As of yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that this regulation will be withdrawn, and it is clear that this is only happening thanks to the strong pressure coming from social opposition. A large portion of the society has raised its voice against the politicization of children’s right to education, their freedoms and identities. However, this step back is not only an achievement, but also a signifier of the fact that this is only going to be a scratch upon the surface of a larger problem that needs to be tackled more seriously. The withdrawal of the regulation does not mean that these discussions have come to an end. Because while the debates over the religious identity of children have become a tool of politics, this step back only offers a temporary solution. The statement made later in the day by Erhan Arıklı, the president of YDP—one of the two parties in government—reveals that he is not on the same page with the prime minister.
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What is really important is the other violations of fundamental rights that children face. Prioritizing such elements as the dress code at schools suggests that the more serious problems children encounter are not taken on board. Children are deprived of the most fundamental rights, face inequality in educational opportunities, are subjected to neglect and abuse, and are actively being dragged into crime. In the face of these problems, interventions on children’s school attire should not be a priority on the agenda. The right to education, the right to a healthy life and the right to grow up in a safe environment are the most fundamental rights of children. The government does not lift a finger on any of these topics.
Many children encounter serious challenges in accessing the right to education due to the material and immaterial limitations of their families, economic difficulties, or social problems. Many children are dragged into the labor market instead of education, and face even greater tragedies. Which clothes to wear is not amongst the real problems of these children. Prioritizing situations that threaten the physical and psychological well-being of children is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a critical issue for the future of the country.
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At this point, regulations on dress code prevent children from making free decisions in shaping their identities on the one hand, and harm democracy by polarizing different segments of society on the other. We should not forget that while there are other serious problems related to education in the northern part of Cyprus, the fact that such a regulation is on the agenda implies an attempt towards shifting the target within the framework of an engineered game. Children should not be objectified on the basis of their religious and conscientious convictions, and turned into subjects of political debate. Their identities, education and future should not be shaped through such interventions.
In this context, social opposition has taken a strong stance against such regulations, and achieved to take an important step towards the withdrawal of the regulation. However, this step is not only an achievement on the front of dress code at schools. It is also a warning sign to the society in general and politicians so that everyone can open their eyes. Real changes in children’s rights will only become possible by prioritizing fundamental rights. Children as individuals should receive the freedom and respect they deserve.
In conclusion, while there are serious problems such as inequality in educational opportunities, neglect, abuse and commitment to crime, such regulations only put the society and children at the risk of more severe difficulties. It is possible to defend the rights of children by creating an environment where they can grow up freely, not by turning them into tools of political games.
This article was originally published on 25.03.2025
Source: CHILDREN’S RIGHTS > THE PUPPET GOVERNMENT OF POLITICAL ISLAM
