Statement of IFSW Europe e.V. supporting the people of
Turkey following the Coal Mine Tragedy
On 13 May 2014 an explosion occurred at a coal mine in Soma, Turkey.
According to official statements this was caused by faulty electrical equipment
and resulted in 298 people losing their lives.
IFSW Europe e.V. wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the relatives
and friends of the victims of this disaster and to all Turkish citizens who are
trying to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.
Emergencies such as this give rise to unimaginable trauma for people
directly affected who may be simultaneously grieving over the loss of loved
ones and grappling with the numerous practical problems that arise from such
tragic situations.
Social workers play a key role in supporting people who, for whatever
reason, require professional support in addition to that provided by family and
friends in the aftermath of disasters and IFSW Europe e.V. also wishes to
express solidarity with our colleagues in the Turkish Association of Social
Workers who are actively contributing to the emergency services being provided
in Soma and the surrounding area.
Two other issues arise from this particular tragedy for us as social
workers. We are concerned to ensure that all citizens’ fundamental rights are
respected and these include occupational safety and health in the workplace, as
required by international human rights conventions. Initial information
emerging from the Soma coal mine explosion suggests that there may have been
serious violations of occupational safety and health standards.
We therefore call on all relevant state institutions, in particular the
Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Ministry of Energy and Natural
Resources, to investigate this tragedy transparently and start to cooperate
with related trade unions and NGO’s to develop a more effective structure to
ensure that employers are compelled to take all possible action to assess the
risks faced by their employees and minimize the possibility of accidents of this
type occurring.
IFSW Europe e.V is gravely concerned over the apparent link between the
violation of labour safety and health and neo-liberal policies favouring
private rather than public sector developments and and sub-contraction in all
sectors which are having a negative effect on human rights in work places.
We are also concerned to ensure that Turkish citizens’ fundamental right
to express their opinions freely is upheld by local and national authorities.
IFSW Europe e.V will keep the communication with our colleagues in
Turkey who are contributing to the well being of most disadvantaged groups in
society.
23th May 2014
For further information contact: Cristina
Martins, President of the IFSW European Region [International
Federation of Social Workers Europe e.V.]
E-mail: martinscristina25@hotmail.com Cell phone: + 351 936272618
Web: www.ifsw.org/europe
IFSW
Europe e.V. is one of the five regional divisions of IFSW. IFSW Europe e.V. is
a registered legal body, and has 40 member associations in 35 countries, with a
total of 165,600 social workers - the membership is representative as it covers
all corners of Europe. IFSW Europe e.V. is governed by the Delegates Meeting
which meets once a year and includes representatives from each of the member
organisations. The member organisations elect the Regional President for a four
year term. In addition they elect an Executive of five people which is
responsible for the day to day activities of the Federation in Europe. The
Executive committee is supported by the Honorary Secretary.
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