The first event organized by Arkın University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office took place on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, featuring Mine Atlı, a Turkish Cypriot politician, lawyer, and human rights advocate. The conference, titled “Human Trafficking,” was held at the ARUCAD Conference Hall and drew significant participation from students and staff.
In her talk, Atlı explored the complex realities of human and women trafficking, its physical and psychological impacts on victims, and the legal frameworks and awareness efforts aimed at combating this global issue. She emphasized that human trafficking is not only an individual tragedy but also a profound societal problem, underlining the importance of youth awareness and responsibility in addressing it.
A well-known figure in Turkish Cypriot politics, Atlı previously served as a Member of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality Council and later as Chairperson of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP). As a feminist activist, she was a member of the Gender Advisory Team (GAT), contributing to the 2012 policy brief prepared in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
The conference was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elham Etemadi, Head of the Department of Textile and Fashion Design.
Throughout the session, participants gained in-depth insight into the definitions, forms, legal dimensions, and prevention mechanisms of human trafficking.
As the inaugural event of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office, the conference received great interest, fostering collective awareness and understanding of one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.
