It is with heavy hearts and sad regret that we learned of the passing of Hon. Yusuf Zyia Irbec, MP, Turkey, on June 19, 2017, at the age of 58.

As an organization that is at the forefront of global efforts to entrench human rights, support democracy, promote gender equality, and enhance accountability and strengthen the rule of law, PGA honors the extraordinary contribution Hon. Yusuf Irbec made in all these fields as a PGA Executive Committee member.

Hon. Yusuf Ziya Irbec was a tireless advocate for the Arms Trade Treaty and played an important role in this regard leading to signature of the Arms Trade Treaty by Turkey on 2nd July 2013. Hon. Irbec participated in several PGA Workshops promoting the Arms Trade Treaty. Hon. Irbec also participated in a UN PGA Press Conference on the ATT on 26th March, 2013.

Particularly worthy of note, and although an opposition parliamentary figure unafraid to express his opinions even at odds with the Government of the day, and as an acknowledgment of his central contribution, Hon. Yusuf Ziya Irbec was a Member of the Official Delegation of Turkey to the 4th Preparatory Committee on the Arms Trade Treaty in February 2012.

Exceptionally, Hon. Irbec also delivered the formal Statement of Turkey at the 4th Preparatory Committee of the ATT on 13th February 2012, again, in clear recognition of his role as a champion of the ATT in his country.

We at PGA remain inspired by his legacy leadership and dedication.