KHRP has released a briefing paper on the key human rights concerns relating to Turkey´s progression towards European Union (EU) accession. The paper discusses these concerns in light of the Copenhagen Criteria political requirements on which Turkey´s entry into the EU is predicated, in particular the institutional guarantees relating to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities.
Serving as an update on the situation following KHRP´s June 2006 briefing paper entitled ´Implementation Gaps in Turkey´s Domestic Law´, this paper sets out the key areas that Turkey must address if it is to meet the political limb of the Copenhagen Criteria and progress in its EU accession negotiations. In particular, the paper discusses current issues and provides recommendations in relation to: the use of torture; minority rights; democracy, the rule of law and human rights due diligence obligations; freedom of expression; vulnerable groups; developmental issues; and the security situation in the Kurdish region.
KHRP’s Chief Executive, Kerim Yildiz said: “Turkey’s membership of the EU offers a viable and stable option for facilitating a move towards resolution of the ongoing armed conflict in South East Turkey through a widening in democratic participation, as well as towards the enjoyment by all Turkish citizens of their human rights in practice. The conclusions and recommendations set out in this briefing paper offer a practical approach to addressing existing gaps in human rights standards and monitoring Turkey’s progress in relation to the Copenhagen Criteria.”
