Türkiye was under review at the 49th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group held from April 28 to May 9, 2025, and Türkiye’s review was conducted on May 6, 2025, in Geneva, for Türkiye’s fourth review period after reviews in 2010, 2015 and 2020. Numerous bodies, including international human rights organizations and civil society groups raised areas of serious concern and made recommendations to the Turkish government.
The main issues raised during the review
There were concerns raised about the independence and the impartiality of the judiciary. Among those, there were calls to implement Türkiye’s Fourth Judicial Reform Strategy in accordance with international human rights obligations. Human Rights Watch (HRW) also identified examples in its report where laws such as Articles 299, 300 and 301 of the Turkish Penal Code are commonly used to stifle dissent from government critics and the president.
There was particular concern about limitations on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The recommendations indicated that reasonable measures should be implemented to establish an enabling environment for these core rights according to international standards. In addition, Türkiye’s efforts to protect and promote the rights of refugees, particularly Syrians, were reported to be positive. Nevertheless, it was also noted that there remained challenges within this domain.
While attempts to engage with various ethnic groups in Türkiye’s territorial space were commended, the issue of minority rights remains a focus. The reports indicated ongoing issues of gender-based violence as well as violence against and discrimination against LGBTI persons. Amnesty International and others raised concerns about torture and other ill-treatment and called upon Türkiye to improve its compliance with European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgments.
Recommendations and proposals made by the UN and member nations
Implement regulations to guarantee independence and impartiality within the judiciary, most importantly via the Fourth Judicial Reform Strategy. Establish and preserve an environment to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in compliance with international obligations on human rights. Continue to allow and extend protections offered to refugees and asylum seekers, and respect their rights in the ongoing movement.
Engagement with and protecting the rights of ethnic minorities in the country should be further strengthened. Robust measures must be taken to combat violence against women and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The judgments of the ECtHR must be fully implemented, and preventative mechanisms against torture and ill-treatment must be improved.
