Turkey Human Rights
Human Rights Concerns: Ill-Treatment of Refugees
Each year, thousands of people seeking refugee status from more than 30 countries arrive in Turkey. The national authorities are taking ever greater responsibility for refugee status determination in Turkey but have yet to develop a fair procedure that meets international standards. A fundamental weakness in providing legal protection to asylum-seekers and refugees in Turkey lies in the fact that at the current time there is no comprehensive refugee law, with the conduct of state officials governed by secondary legislation that can be changed without notification. Difficulties in gaining access to asylum procedures at Turkey's borders, airports, and in detention mean that many people are expelled without having their asylum claims assessed, leaving them at risk of serious human rights abuses upon return to their countries. Registered asylum-seekers and recognized refugees are also increasingly forcibly returned from Turkey. Asylum-seekers' access to adequate housing, health services, and work is very limited. Bureaucratic problems also prevent refugee children from accessing secondary education.
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Conscientious objector Enver Aydemir still being held in military prison
Following a military court hearing on 21 January, Turkish conscientious objector Enver Aydemir will have to appear before a higher court. He remains unlawfully detained in a military prison.
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Children prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws in Turkey
Thousands of children face prosecution for allegedly taking part in protests against the authorities in Turkey. Alarmingly, the number of prosecutions has increased since 2008.
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Public Statement
Turkey criticized for closing pro-Kurdish political party.
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Press Release
Turkey: The right of refugees to return with dignity
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Conscientious objector Enver Aydemir was arrested by police on 24 December 2009 in Istanbul while on his way to a conference on the right to conscientious objection. Amnesty International considers him a prisoner of conscience and is concerned about reports that he has been beaten in prison. » More actions
Latest News
Turkey must set free conscientious objectorJanuary 11, 2010
Turkey: Constitutional Court rules in favour of closure of pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party
December 14, 2009
Turkey: Turkey Criticized for Closing Pro-Kurdish Political Party
December 14, 2009
Soldiers convicted for ill-treatment of conscientious objector in Turkey
November 19, 2009
Turkey: No to Safe Haven for Fugitive from International Justice
November 06, 2009
Iran/Turkey: Iranian Refugees Released from Detention in Turkey
October 27, 2009
Latest Reports
Turkey: End fees for refugees [postcard]June 20, 2009
Turkey: Stranded: Refugees in Turkey denied protection
April 22, 2009
Turkey: The Entrenched Culture of Impunity Must End
July 05, 2007
Turkey: Entrenched culture of impunity must end. Summary
July 05, 2007
