The Court hosted the 13^th International Summer School event under the theme “Family Life in the Constitutional Perspective and Right to Respect for Family Life” this year. The event brought together 66 representatives from constitutional courts and equivalent institutions across 30 countries, as well as from the European Court of Human Rights.

The 13^th International Summer School, organised by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye in its capacity as the Center for Training and Human Resources Development under the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC), commenced with an opening ceremony held on 6 October 2025 at the Grand Tribunal Hall.

In his opening remarks, President of the Turkish Constitutional Court, Mr. Kadir Özkaya, stated: “We are honoured to host guests from Asia, Europe, and Africa. I would like to emphasise the importance of establishing cooperation and strong relations among colleagues in different continents and countries. As supreme courts, we are addressing a wide range of legal issues and make decisions that have far-reaching effects on our respective countries. Therefore, sharing experiences, exchanging views, and learning from one another is of great value to all of us. In this regard, the Summer School stands as an excellent example of such mutual engagement and dialogue.”

Reminding that the year 2025 has been declared the “Year of the Family” in Türkiye, and pointing to the various activities carried out with a view to protecting and strengthening the institution of the family, President Özkaya noted that this year’s International Summer School was accordingly dedicated to the theme of the right to respect for family life.

President Özkaya, further stating that the family is the very foundation of society and playing a vital role in the development of the individual, also added: “Family has always been one of humanity’s most cherished values. It stands as the cornerstone of communities and nations, ensuring unity and solidarity. A stable and healthy family environment is the key to raising peaceful individuals and building a resilient society.”

He cited examples from the Court’s judgments involving family-related issues and also remarked: “In interpreting principles enshrined in the Constitution for the protection of family, the Court lays emphasis on the significance of family, acting with full awareness of how indispensable the family is as the smallest albeit the fundamental unit of society. The protection of family and the right to respect for family life are frequently addressed by the Court in its judgments, both in constitutionality review and individual applications. As this right falls under the joint protection of both the Turkish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Türkiye is a party, the Court has developed extensive jurisprudence on various matters concerning the family. As interpreted by the Court, the right to respect for family life prohibits any interference by the public authorities with individuals’ family life and guarantees the freedom to organise and enjoy family life in accordance with one’s own understanding and preferences.”

President Özkaya further noted that the Court’s judgments under the right to respect for family life, addressing, inter alia, the best interest of children, deportation procedures, the matrimonial home, and the maintenance of family ties in the penitentiary institutions, have established the fundamental principles in this field.

Concluding his speech, President Özkaya touched upon the situation in Gaza, saying: “What we are witnessing in Gaza today is the annihilation of families, even entire generations. This brutal massacre constitutes a gross violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to family life. I sincerely hope that these acts of oppression and violence will come to an end without further delay.”

The two-day International Summer School event proceeded with a series of academic sessions. In his speech opening the sessions, Secretary General of the Turkish Constitutional Court, Mr. Murat Azaklı, expressed his pleasure at hosting the 13^th International Summer School. He further stated: “Just like every year, it will be truly valuable for us to hear about the practices in your respective countries and courts, thus learning from your diverse experiences.”

During the sessions featuring thematic discussions, the guest delegations made their presentations on “Family Life in the Constitutional Perspective and Right to Respect for Family Life”. Drawing on examples from their respective jurisdictions, the delegations engaged in multifaceted evaluations and deliberations on the scope of the right to respect for family life.

The event ended with the presentation of certificates to the guest delegations by President of the Constitutional Court, Mr. Kadir Özkaya.