News Center- The Disaster-Child Civil Coordination Team, which was formed after the Maraş earthquake by experts in the field of children's rights and CSO representatives, has released a statement condemning the statement released by Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs saying that there is no obstacle for foster families to marry the adopted earthquake-survivor children.

‘It encourages crime’

“The statement of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, which shows child abuse as normal, is contrary to the Turkish Civil Code and the Child Protection Law and according to the Turkish Penal Code, it encourages crime (against children),” said the statement, underlining that no organizations, including the Directorate of Religious Affairs could not engage in any unlawful discourse or action.

What happened?

Two separate major earthquakes in Maraş on February 6, 2023 have killed and injured thousands of people in 11 cities. 20 children, who lost their parents in the earthquakes, were placed in a house belonging to IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, known as a pro-government organization. In addition, Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs released a statement to answer the question, “Can children of earthquake victims be adopted?”

“There is no barrier to marriage between the adopter and the adopted child," said the statement released by Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs.