Murat Çekiç Association, Kaos GL and May 17, have brought violations of LGBTI+ rights to UN Human Rights Committee

18/09/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL

In their report to the UN Human Rights Committee, the associations highlighted the growing issues of exclusion, discrimination, hate speech, as well as the ongoing legal and constitutional setbacks. They also drew attention to the increasing violations of freedom of expression and association, which continue to impact marginalized groups, particularly LGBTI+ communities.

A coalition consisting of the Murat Çekiç Association, Kaos GL, and May 17 Association submitted a report to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee. This report, a civil society contribution ahead of Turkey’s second periodic review, outlines the current state of LGBTI+ rights and ongoing violations.

The associations emphasized the widespread discrimination and human rights violations experienced by LGBTI+ individuals in Turkey, as part of the monitoring process for the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Exclusion and discrimination

The coalition emphasized that, despite Türkiye’s claims, the legal and institutional framework in the country continues to systematically exclude and discriminate against LGBTI+ persons. The coalition called for urgent reforms and adherence to international human rights standards.

Ever increasing hate speech

The report highlighted the lack of progress in protecting LGBTI+ rights within the constitutional and legal framework, exacerbated by Türkiye’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. The report also drew attention to the hate speech against them, fueled by high-level officials, including the President of Religious Affairs and President Erdoğan, is rampant. The coalition also stated that LGBTI+ individuals were not included in human rights action plans.

Restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly

The coalition also reminded that fundamental laws that are supposed to prevent discrimination have been written in a way that excludes LGBTI+ persons, thus legalizing discriminatory practices and that the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (THREI) categorically dismisses complaints from LGBTI+ individuals.

The report also included violations of the right to privacy, bans on Pride and other events, restrictions on freedom of expression and association, and administrative harassment of LGBTI+ organizations.

Tags: human rights