BTTADK President Mustafa Trampa: Justice and equality for the Western Thrace Turkish Minority are not favours, but fundamental rights
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board (BTTADK) and Mufti of İskeçe, Mustafa Trampa, issued a strong message highlighting the ongoing injustices faced by the Muslim Turkish Minority in Western Thrace.
Marking the anniversary of one of humanity’s most significant milestones—the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—Trampa emphasized that human rights are too sacred to be left to the discretion of the majority.
“Human beings are the most honourable of creation”
In his message, Trampa noted that dignity, justice, and compassion are essential values that define humanity. Referring to the Declaration’s Article 3—“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person”—he reminded that every right is a trust and must be safeguarded accordingly.
“Rights exist for humans, not majorities”
Trampa stressed that human rights are not favours granted by states or majorities, saying:
“Human rights exist not according to the majority, but according to the human being. To be human is to possess rights. Regardless of language, religion, race, or geography, a world that defends justice, dignity, and the right to live is possible.”
A clear message for Western Thrace: Equality is a basic right
Speaking on behalf of the Western Thrace Turks, who have long struggled to secure the rights guaranteed to them under international treaties, Trampa delivered a clear and firm call to Athens and the international community:
“For the Muslim Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, justice and equality are fundamental rights.”
His message underlined once again that minority rights cannot be negotiated or treated as privileges, reinforcing the community’s determination to pursue their rightful claims.
