In a press statement published on their website, the International Labour Office predicts a steep rise in global unemployment. Their predictions range from a loss of 18 to 50 million jobs worldwide.

The Association of Women Workers says women should refuse to vote for parties with a few token woman candidates.

Dink family lawyer Tuna evaluated the investigation of defence lawyer Turgut as positive but a step taken far too late. She is not optimistic about the trial.

The European Court of Human Rights has penalised Turkey for arresting and prosecuting an under-fifteen year old for alleged PKK membership.

An increase in poverty will lead to more children working. Children’s centres need to be improved to prevent children from working in the street and education support must be a priority.

On the eighth anniversary of the disappearance of two Kurdish politicians in Silopi, southeastern Turkey, thousands of people gathered in protest.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has rejected a call to open a case against the apology campaign under Article 301.

The Contemporary Journalists’ Association (ÇGD) has announced its journalism awards for 2008.

In the eighth hearing of the Hrant Dink murder on 26 January, defendants Tuncel and Hayal fought. Links with the Ergenekon organisation will be investigated, the judges dediced.

A court of appeal has overturned the decree to close the gay rights organisation Lambdaistanbul. However, the same court warns the assocation not to try and “encourage” homosexuality and transgender identities.

An MP of the CHP party has asked Prime Minister Erdoğan to state whether anything is being done about the increase in violence towards women. She has further demanded information about the training of public sector workers.

19-year-old Kırbaş has been paralysed by a police bullet. While a warrant for his arrest is still valid, the officer involved remains free. The court case continues.

Turkish human rights activists gathered in Taksim on Saturday, calling for the world and Turkey to apply sanctions in reaction to Israel’s operations in the Gaza Strip.

In yesterday’s court hearing, the defendants claimed that they did not torture Çeber, but only “shouted at him.”

The Turkish Journalists’ Trade Union and the Contemporary Journalists’ Association have expressed their worry about violations of basic rights.

The Women’s Shelter “Purple Roof” has published a book based on interviews with fifteen women seeking refuge with the organisation.

Operations in 16 provinces resulted in the arrest of 39 people, among them police and army officers, as well as a trade union leader and a researcher.

The Vatan newspaper has chosen to ignore the denigrating accusations its columnist makes about people who think differently from him. IPS Communication Foundation general secretary Ertuğrul Kürkçü and chair Nadire Mater wrote a letter which was not printed by Vatan.

We asked people in the streets of Eminönü, central Istanbul, what they thought about Barack Obama’s election. The answers were cautiously optimistic.

A fact-finding team found evidence that white phosphours bombs were used in civilian areas. 1,300 Palestinians died, and the damage runs into billions of dollars.