On 2026-10-17 the Ministry of Family and Social Services submitted a formal complaint against a beauty contest that was to be held for children between the ages of four and thirteen in Antalya. The complaint cites worries about the safety and privacy of the young participants and asserts that the contest runs contrary to established protections for minors.
Also on 2026-10-17 the ministry released a public statement directed at the same children’s beauty contest. In the statement officials expressed their opposition to the event, reiterating that such competitions are incompatible with children’s rights and with the broader goal of safeguarding their development.
On the same date the ministry announced that it was taking concrete steps against the pageant officially titled ‘Little Miss and Little Mister United World.’ The announcement indicated that the ministry had initiated an investigation and would take necessary legal and administrative steps to protect the children.
The ministry’s filings specifically reference this contest by name and date range.
Central to the ministry’s objections are worries about child safety and privacy. Officials argue that putting young children on stage for judgment based on their looks exposes them to risks that could compromise their personal security and intrude upon their private lives.
The event in question is named ‘Little Miss and Little Mister United World.’ It was scheduled to take place in Antalya from October 23 to October 28, and was intended for children aged four to thirteen. The ministry’s filings specifically reference this contest by name and date range.
The ministry maintains that the contest violates child rights and the principle of the best interest of the child. Officials argue that the contest evaluates children on physical appearance, which conflicts with child rights.
The current debate has revived memories of a similar incident that occurred in 2007. Officials note that the earlier case also raised alarms about child safety and privacy in the context of beauty competitions, and they see the present situation as a continuation of those longstanding concerns.
A particular point of contention is that the contest would evaluate children according to their physical appearance. The ministry asserts that judging youngsters on looks is not in line with child rights and does not serve the children’s best interests, arguing that such criteria are inappropriate for minors.
In response to the complaints, the ministry has initiated an investigation into the planned pageant and has stated that it will take the necessary legal and administrative actions to protect the children involved. Amid the official criticism, a single neutral stance has been recorded from Funda Karayel, who has not taken a position either for or against the contest.