About Us
About us
UID was established in 2004 in Cologne, Germany, as the “Union of European Turkish Democrats” (UETD). To respond to demands from around the world, it updated its name to the Union of International Democrats (UID) during its 6th Ordinary General Assembly held in Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 20, 2018, thus expanding its area of activity. UID aims to find solutions to the social, political, and cultural issues faced by the Turkish community and related communities living abroad, particularly in Europe.
While supporting the integration of migrant-origin individuals into their host societies, UID combats social issues such as racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and hostilities based on any form of race or religion. It advocates for values such as equal citizenship, democratic participation, and multiculturalism.
The organization places special emphasis on projects that empower women and young people to take a stronger and more active role in social life.
Institutional Identity and Mission
Since its establishment, UID has been a civil society organization that strives to enhance the active participation of Turkish and migrant-origin individuals in social, political, and cultural life while preserving their cultural identities, particularly in Europe and around the world. In this process, key objectives include combating discrimination, promoting multiculturalism, defending the right to equal citizenship, and increasing democratic participation. UID’s areas of work cover a wide range, from promoting social peace and harmony to advocating for the recognition of dual citizenship rights, the official recognition of Islam as a state religion, and encouraging the participation of migrants in society.
Vision
UID’s vision is for people from different nations, cultures, or religions to participate in all areas of social life with equal rights, shaping society as individuals. To achieve this vision, UID develops projects that support the integration of Turks and related communities into the societies of the countries they live in and conducts institutional activities based on respect for differences and mutual understanding. Through these activities, UID aims to be a civil society organization that is sensitive to the needs and rights of the groups it represents, to eliminate prejudices, and to collaborate globally with various institutions for the peace of society.
Working Areas and Projects
UID’s activities span a wide spectrum, including promoting social peace, combating discrimination, supporting multiculturalism and increasing democratic participation. Below, UID’s main work areas and priority projects in these areas are detailed:
1. Social Peace and Harmony
UID develops projects aimed at promoting understanding and peace between different cultures and communities. These projects aim to strengthen the social, political, and cultural integration processes of migrant communities in their host countries.
2. Combating Racism and Discrimination
Combating all forms of discrimination, such as racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, is another priority area for UID. In this context, UID organizes awareness campaigns, educational programs, the identification of human rights violations, and public relations activities.
3. Promoting Multiculturalism
UID emphasizes the importance of multiculturalism within society and works to preserve and celebrate different cultural identities. It contributes to the development of policies that support multiculturalism.
4. Equal Citizenship and Democratic Participation
In this area, initiatives are undertaken to ensure equal participation of individuals in social, political, and economic life. Topics such as the right to vote in general and local elections are highlighted.
5. Participation of Migrants in Social Life
Projects aimed at increasing the participation of individuals with a migrant background in society provide support in the areas of education, employment, and social integration. This is crucial for both enhancing individuals’ quality of life and strengthening social cohesion.
6. Bilingual Education, Protection of the Mother Tongue and Cultural Heritage
The protection and development of the mother tongue, support for bilingual education programs, and the transfer of cultural heritage to future generations are other important concerns of UID.
7. Promoting the Foster Family System
UID places special emphasis on the promotion and support of the foster family system to ensure that children in protective care grow up in a safe and loving environment. Activities are conducted to raise awareness and encourage more families to participate in this system.
Through all these areas of work and projects, UID strives to ensure that individuals from all walks of life have equal rights, that cultural diversity is preserved, and that social peace is promoted.
These efforts also contribute to strengthening the social, political, and cultural integration processes of migrant communities in their host countries.