Erdogan Defends "Traditional Family" and Condemns Gaza Crisis at UN General Assembly
In a speech that sparked both surprise and debate at the UN General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan passionately defended what he called "the most sacred core of societies": the family. He also strongly condemned the situation in Gaza, labeling it a "genocide transmitted live."
Defense of the Traditional Family
Erdogan stated that "the institution of the family is under threat today as never before. Defending the family composed of a woman and a man is defending humanity, defending nature, life, and the future." He criticized what he perceives as growing "cultural and political pressures" that endanger this model. He also asserted Turkey's commitment to protecting the family from these perceived attacks, emphasizing each nation's right to preserve its social fabric based on its beliefs and traditions.
The Turkish President indirectly questioned policies expanding rights for sexual diversities in some countries, stating that "no one should impose their vision on gender or identity on others." He added, "We respect all people, but we also demand respect for our values," a remark that prompted murmurs in the assembly hall.
Condemnation of the Gaza Crisis
With a harsh tone, Erdogan denounced what he described as "a genocide transmitted live" in the Gaza Strip. He urged all countries to immediately recognize the State of Palestine. "Today I speak on behalf of my 86 million citizens and also of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, whose voices are being silenced," he declared.
He lamented the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and thanked the nations that have already recognized Palestine, urging those who have not to "take that step without delay." He described the dire situation in Gaza, stating, "Every day, every hour, a child dies in Gaza. More than 65,000 civilians have lost their lives, and at least 20,000 were minors." He highlighted that 428 people have died of hunger, including 146 children, emphasizing, "These are not numbers: they are people, they are innocent."
Erdogan detailed the humanitarian catastrophe, including bombed hospitals, murdered doctors, and children mutilated without anesthesia, stating that "Human history has not seen such a massacre in the last century." He also noted that 250 journalists have been killed and that even United Nations personnel have died in the enclave: "Not even the UN has been able to protect its own staff in Gaza."
Throughout his speech, Erdogan explicitly supported Secretary-General António Guterres, praising his "courage" in denouncing the Palestinian crisis. He also criticized Western powers, accusing them of turning a blind eye: "Whoever remains silent is complicit in this barbarity."
Broader Conflicts and International Reform
The Turkish leader broadened his focus to other regional conflicts, reiterating that "there are no winners in war nor losers in a just peace." He emphasized his government's efforts to mediate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and celebrated progress in the rapprochement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as initiatives to curb violence in Sudan, Somalia, and the Horn of Africa.
Erdogan also insisted on the need to reform the international system. He reiterated his slogan "The world is bigger than five," referring to the five permanent members of the Security Council, and demanded "an order where the righteous are powerful, not where the powerful believe themselves to be righteous." He stated, "It is not about abandoning the system, but about repairing it and making it work again."
The Turkish President also addressed other items on the global agenda: He called for a diplomatic resolution to Iran's nuclear program, defended the rights of the Turkish-Cypriot community in the Eastern Mediterranean, spoke out against Islamophobia, and warned of the risks of artificial intelligence, while celebrating its potential if used "for the benefit of humanity."
Environmental Policy and Concluding Remarks
Towards the end, Erdogan championed Turkey's environmental policy, mentioning the "zero waste" movement promoted by his wife and emphasizing that his country is one of the largest providers of development aid globally. "A more just world is possible, and Turkey will continue fighting to build it," he concluded before bidding farewell with a final wish: "May God help us and guide us all."
