KTTB: "Childhood Stolen – A Harsh Reality of Early Parenthood in Northern Cyprus"

The union described this as a stark indicator of a societal collapse and a failure of the state to protect children. Calling on the Social Services Department and the police to take immediate action, KTTB condemned the situation as a violation of children’s rights and dignity.

In a statement signed by President Prof. Dr. Ceyhun Dalkan and Secretary General Dr. Sinem Siğit İkiz, the association stressed that the reality of 68 children becoming parents is an unacceptable breach of fundamental human rights. Referring to international agreements, they highlighted the obligations set forth by the Istanbul Convention and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). These treaties ensure every child’s right to safety, education, and a healthy, protected upbringing.

The KTTB emphasized that early parenthood among minors blatantly violates these rights. The Istanbul Convention mandates states to prevent violence against children and protect victims, while the CRC guarantees children the right to education, security, and appropriate developmental conditions.

A Call to Action

The association outlined the repercussions of child marriage and early parenthood, pointing out the lifelong cycle of poverty and lost opportunities it perpetuates. Children forced into parenthood are often unable to complete their education, with caregiving responsibilities disrupting their academic progress. This violation of the right to education, as protected under the CRC, pushes young parents into low-paying jobs, exacerbating economic hardships and social inequality.

Moreover, KTTB underscored that early parenthood leads to severe individual and societal trauma, violating the inherent rights of children to grow and thrive under suitable conditions. Such cases demand comprehensive and effective state intervention, in line with the CRC’s provisions, to protect children from all forms of exploitation and abuse.

Urgent Measures Needed

The statement urged various state bodies to take immediate steps:

• Strengthening preventive mechanisms through awareness and education campaigns to address early marriages and child abuse.
• Ensuring the police thoroughly investigate all complaints of abuse or forced marriages and initiate legal proceedings without delay. Neglecting such cases is a direct violation of the CRC.
• Developing educational curricula on body awareness and sexuality, equipping children with the knowledge to protect themselves.
• Enhancing training for law enforcement, social workers, and healthcare professionals on child rights and abuse prevention.

KTTB concluded by emphasizing that the protection of children is not only a legal responsibility but a moral obligation. Allowing child abuse and early marriages to persist threatens not only the affected children but the future of society as a whole.

"Every day we fail to protect our children is a day we lose part of our humanity," the statement read, underlining the collective responsibility to safeguard the rights and dignity of all children.