UN CRITICIZES FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN TURKEY
BIAnet.org
May 14 2010
Turkey
Turkey was criticized by at least 15 of a total of 54 countries
speaking at the UN Human Rights Council on 10 May. Harsh criticism
was voiced on Turkey’s tolerance towards torture and on oppression
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people.
Erol ONDEROÄ~^LU [email protected] Geneva – BÄ°A News Center14 May 2010,
Friday 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 Cicek, Deputy Prime Minister and State
Minister of Turkey. Cicek 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. Cikek 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 Cicek 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 Cicek 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. (EO/VK)