35th Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Turkey

The United Kingdom notes that the end of the state of emergency following the 2016 failed coup, and progress against Daesh and the PKK, provide opportunity for reform ahead of the 2023 elections.

We are concerned by harassment and imprisonment of journalists. We trust the Government will remove obstacles to freedom of expression.

We recommend that Turkey:

1. Implement the National Action Plan and Strategy Document on Combating Child, Early and Forced Marriages.
2. Protect freedom of expression, including for journalists and human rights defenders, by decriminalising defamation.
3. Amend constitutional provisions on appointing members of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, ensuring their peers elect the majority.