“The continued deterioration of respect for the rule of law and human rights, and the independence of the judiciary in Turkey” is again a source of concerns for States

The United Nations Human Rights Council, main body within the UN system responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights, concluded its 49th session in Geneva, last Friday April, 1rst. While the members of the Council understandably devoted a large part of their interventions to the situation in Ukraine, the session was still a scrutinized opportunity to discuss human rights issues worldwide, including human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.

With no surprise, the Turkish human rights’ situation had been mentioned on several occasions. Germany, Denmark, Cyprus, France on behalf of the EU, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, joined by the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Liechtenstein expressed their concerns over the human rights situation in Turkey.

The EU reiterated its previous statement, strongly stating

“The EU remains concerned about the continued deterioration of respect for the rule of law and human rights, and the independence of the judiciary in Turkey. As an EU candidate country and long-standing member of the Council of Europe, Turkey is expected to apply the highest human rights and democratic standards and practices. We reiterate the call on Turkey to protect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, including property rights of persons belonging to minorities and minorities’ legal entities, as well as universal access to cultural life in accordance with Turkey’s international commitments. In this context, we urge Turkey to implement all judgements of the European Court of Human Rights, which are legally binding and to immediately release all arbitrarily detained persons. The targeting of political parties, people participating in trade union activities, independent media, human rights defenders, lawyers and judges, academics, LGBTI persons, members of parliament and democratically elected mayors represent major setbacks for human rights and run counter to Turkey’s obligations to respect democracy, the rule of law and women’s rights. The EU calls on Turkey to fully uphold women’s rights. Human rights are non-negotiable and they continue to be an integral part of EU-Turkey relations”.

Read our information note on Human Rights Council’s 49th Session here:

Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more.

Bill clinton