44 NGO representatives from 11 provinces attended the first Training for Rights Organizations by BIA². We most of the time are at odds with the state because of the region they work in, and added the media prejudiced, the participants said.

During 2004 child negligence and homelessness were frequently covered. The Juvenile Justice System failed to be implemented. Child labor and the futility of Child Protection Agency was not addressed. More girls started school but most remained negliged.

The site, which emphasizes childrens rights, aims to encourage media to have more coverage of children, to start a discussion on childrens journalism , help NGOs have their voices heard by more people, to become a medium for children to be heard.

Prof. Polat said Turkey still didnt pass harmonization laws about the Childrens Rights Convention, 15 years after adopting it. According to Polat, institutions responsible for serving children have many shortcomings.

Shelters for hundreds of women, and rehabilitation centers for children could have been set up with the money spent for the NATO summit, say womens rights activists. Some USD 17 million was spent for environmental arrangements ahead of Istanbul summit.

Children, who work and live on streets go to school on the one hand and sell tissues, gather garbage or dye shoes on the other. The families of most of them have no income. Migration, poverty and unequal distribution of income push children on streets.

Turkeys 6.5 child laborers, who are used as cheap labor, were not mentioned in the labor unions May 1 declarations. It seems impossible for the children who work in the agriculture sector or as house workers to have their voices heard.

The last preparatory meeting ahead of Octobers ESF was held in Istanbul. Representatives from many European countries spoke about the EU Constitution and anti-war activism. They called for support against the Iraqi invasion.

The last preparatory meeting ahead of Octobers European Social Forum in London will be held in Istanbul. Representatives from all over Europe will organize the global opposition against the New American Century. There is high attendance from Turkey.

Hands Across the Divide activist Cahit complains that women arent included in the solution process despite a UN resolution. Cahit, Merlem and Oztoprak agree Referendum is a big chance for peace. At last, we will make a decision in the referendum.