Sakarya University (SAU), as a public higher education institution, operates in accordance with national legislation aimed at preventing forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour. The University upholds respect for human rights, the protection of employees' rights, and the maintenance of ethical working conditions as fundamental principles of its institutional governance.
The University's 2025 Sustainability Report outlines its Sustainable University Policy, which emphasizes respect for fundamental, social, and economic human rights, the implementation of occupational health and safety principles, and the institutional promotion of work ethics. The Community Contribution Policy, presented in the same report, further identifies human rights, employee rights and welfare, and the promotion of safe working conditions as integral components of the University's institutional responsibilities.
Article 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye explicitly prohibits forced labour and compulsory labour, while Article 50 provides special protection for children regarding working conditions. Article 71 of Labour Law No. 4857 establishes restrictions on the employment of children, including minimum age requirements, working hours, and the nature of permissible work. Furthermore, human trafficking is criminalized under Article 80 of the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237.
Employment practices for academic and administrative personnel at Sakarya University are governed by the relevant public-sector employment legislation, particularly Higher Education Law No. 2547 and Civil Servants Law No. 657. The working conditions of permanent workers are regulated by Labour Law No. 4857 and the applicable collective labour agreements. This legal framework supports lawful employment practices and the protection of employees' fundamental rights.
The University's Human Resources Policy, published in its 2025 Annual Administrative Activity Report, emphasizes equal opportunities, inclusiveness, employee development, and occupational health and safety. These principles support the establishment of a safe and fair working environment for all employee groups.
In accordance with the national legal framework and its institutional human resources and sustainability policies in effect during 2025, Sakarya University prioritizes respect for employees' fundamental rights and the protection of decent working conditions. This approach reinforces the legal and ethical framework for preventing exploitative labour practices, including forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour.
