Turkey co-hosts Global Dialogue on Rule of Law and Post-2015 Development Agenda

Stressing the importance of the rule of law and justice for development, Yilmaz said that the concepts of “rule of law, justice, democracy, governance and human rights” must be included in the post-2015 development agenda.

Noting that development is a multi-layered process, Yilmaz stated that considering the rule of law in every area of development would facilitate the job of decision-makers.

Referring to the opinions expressed on the development of member countries within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, Yilmaz said: ''Countries affected by clashes and conflicts are faced with great difficulties in meeting the millenium development goals.''

Stressing that peace must be established as the foundation of development, Yilmaz said Turkey was located in a region full of conflicts, and the most basic of human rights, the right to life could not be ensured in Syria.

Stating that democracy and governance were also fundamental for development, Yilmaz pointed out the importance of free elections, representative democracy and participatory decision-making mechanisms. 

Noting that the Islamic countries in particular would democratize sooner or later, Yilmaz said that a process similar to the democratization process accelerated by the EU in Eastern Europe was also needed for Islamic countries.  

Yilmaz also stressed the significance of including women and young people in politics, as well as improving their economic and social participation, and the importance of offering equal opportunities to everybody. Yilmaz added that democratization contributed siginifcantly to development in the last decade in Turkey, and vice versa. 

It has been agreed at the meeting that the rule of law needs to play the center role in post-2015 development goals.

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