Turkey

368. JAL 30/11/11 Case no.: TUR 7/2011 State Reply: None to date – Allegation of arrest and sentencing of three women human rights defenders and members of an LGBTI organization.

Observations

370. The Special Rapporteur is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of human rights defenders in Turkey, particularly in light of the alleged spate of arrests of defenders. In this context, the Special Rapporteur notes her concern regarding the allegations of the targeting of human rights lawyers in connection with their legitimate human rights work. Accordingly, the Special Rapporteur wishes to refer the Government of Turkey to the provisions outlined in the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, notably to article 9, para. 3 (c) and to article 2. The Special Rapporteur remains available to provide any technical assistance the Government might require.

Link to full text of the report: http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session19/A.HRC.19.55.Add.2_EFSonly.pdf