Turkey improves status for nearly 9,000 conscript veterans

Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced significant improvements for veterans and families of martyrs during a meeting in Muş. Following a legislative change passed by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the status of nearly 9,000 conscript veterans—who were previously injured in counter-terrorism efforts but not officially recognized as veterans—has been improved. Applications for these benefits will be processed via the e-Devlet system.

Göktaş also highlighted a substantial increase in employment appointments for relatives of martyrs, noting that these numbers have risen from 5,500 in 2002 to 53,000 today. During the ‘Unity and Loyalty Meeting,’ the Minister emphasized that the sensitivities of these families are a priority in the ‘Terror-Free Turkey’ process. She stated that the government is maintaining continuous consultations with representative associations and special commissions to ensure their needs and expectations are communicated to relevant authorities.