UN Criticizes Freedom of Expression in Turkey

At least 15 members of a total of 54 countries being part of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) drew attention to violations regarding press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey in the UNHRC session on 10 May. The speakers demanded to adapt the referring laws to international standards.

The majority of countries urged Turkey to approve the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) which had been announced by the government as part of the democratic initiative, Turkey was furthermore called to establish a National Human Rights Board in compliance with the UN Paris Principles and to sign the UN Convention on Missing Persons.

Turkey was represented by Cemil Çiçek, Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister of Turkey. Ciçek presented a report on behalf of Turkey in the context of the Universal Periodic Review-UPR, a human rights mechanism of the UNHRC that reviews the human rights situation of all 192 UN Member States every 4 years.

The UNHRC session was also monitored by bianet. Çikek illustrated the government's efforts in his speech, saying that the endeavour to establish a National Human Rights Board is still continuing. In the context of article 301 of the Turkish Criminal Code on "insults" to the Turkish state Çiçek explained that amendments have been made and that 7.2 percent of all approved investigations and trials were considered since May 2008, whereas the remaining procedures were dismissed.

Several countries appreciated Turkey's measures related to schooling, women's role in society, working children and human trafficking and called Çiçek to continue the related efforts. On the other hand, they criticized that in terms of torture the security forces did not apply the government's principle of "zero tolerance to torture".

One of the harshest criticisms came from a Dutch rapporteur who demanded to end gender discrimination and oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and related maltreatment.

Criticism for lack of freedom of expression from at least 15 countries

Countries criticizing Turkey for significant deficits in freedom of expression were e.g. Brazil, Switzerland, Armenia, Chile, Bangladesh, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, Uruguay, Australia, France, Japan and Germany.

International PEN, International Publishers Association (IPA) and Index On Censorship presented a joint report to the Council in which they called Turkey for urgent reforms of the Anti-Terrorism Law (TMY) and the Turkish Criminal Court (TCK).

TCK, TMY and Internet Law among basic concerns...

The Netherlands and Australia stated that regulations such as article 301 and the Anti-Terror Law restricted freedom of expression, claiming that "international standards should be respected".

France and Spain demanded to lift TCK article 318 on discouraging people from performing military service, which comes up frequently in cases of conscientious objectors. Canada and France recommended a review of the Law on Internet Crimes. Japan criticized the pressure imposed on activists and demanded to continue the protection of women in society.

Chile criticized the prosecution of journalists and writers. The Russian Federation requested to carry on with the struggle against human trafficking.

It will become clear in the coming days which recommendations Turkey is going to follow. The final version of the report will be issued in three months' time. The government is expected to have realized its commitments until the next general review of the human rights situation in 2014. (EÖ/VK)