In the introduction to report, the Rapporteur said that she regretted Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention and the State Council's decision on the issue. "The major impact and purpose of the Istanbul Convention on Turkey's national legislation has not been communicated to the Turkish people; this has led to some groups knowingly misinterpreting the purpose and scope of the Convention," she commented.
In her preliminary assessment, Alsalem said, "I encourage the Government of the Republic of Turkey to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the Convention and rejoin the ranks of countries that recognize the Convention."
There are gaps in the implementation of the national legal framework on violence against women
The rapporteur notes that many laws and policies have been adopted in Turkey over the past 15 years to combat violence against women and girls. However, in practice, there are significant gaps in almost all areas of social policy regarding women's rights, from sexual violence to domestic violence and trafficking.
The statement stressed that while Turkey has a solid legal framework against sexual exploitation of children, including girls, recent amendments to Turkey's child sexual exploitation legislation in December 2016 run counter to the country's international obligations.
Violation of CSOs' freedom of association is a concern
Noting the restrictions imposed on the work of civil society organizations, it was noted that the entry into force of Law No. 7262 on the Prevention of Financing Weapons of Mass Destruction places additional restrictions on the funding of civil society organizations.
The statement said:
"The violation of the rights of women and children, including lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LBTI) persons, women human rights defenders, and Turkish Kurdish women, to freedom of expression, thought, and association is of particular concern."
The report, which announces preliminary findings, also addresses access to justice and basic services, economic empowerment, sexual harassment and workplace bullying, access to sexual and reproductive rights, and trafficking in women and girls.
The Special Rapporteur, who came to Turkey at the invitation of the Government from July 18-27, 2022, will present his final report to the Human Rights Council UN in June 2023, which will include a more detailed analysis of the origins, causes and consequences of violence against women and girls, as well as my action-oriented recommendations.
The Special Rapporteur, who came to Turkey at the invitation of the Government from 18to 27 July 2022, will submit his final report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2023, which will include a more detailed analysis of the genesis, causes and consequences of violence against women and girls, as well as action-oriented recommendations.
You can read the Turkish version of the statement here.