17/04/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
After the cooperation agreement between the World Bank and Turkey was targeted by anti-LGBTI+ media outlets, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance said that the loans related to the cooperation are not related to the Istanbul Convention and LGBTI+s.
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance issued a statement in response to the uproar caused by certain media outlets linking the cooperation agreement between Turkey and the World Bank to LGBTI+ issues. They clarified that the loans obtained from the World Bank are solely allocated for projects aligned with Turkey’s development priorities and have no connection to the Istanbul Convention or LGBTI+ matters.
Highlighting that the funds received from the World Bank are utilized for projects jointly developed by relevant institutions, the Ministry emphasized their focus on societal interests. They pointed out that the term “vulnerable groups” in the Country Framework Program (CPF) primarily refers to those affected by the green transformation and individuals facing challenges in accessing finance. These projects aim to provide skills and employment opportunities to such groups, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and increased employment rates.
The Ministry’s statement was further supported by the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications Center for Countering Disinformation, which clarified that there is no provision for LGBTI+ support in the Country Cooperation Framework (CPF) document signed with the World Bank. The term “vulnerable groups” mainly pertains to those impacted by the green transformation and individuals facing financial difficulties, rather than specific LGBTI+ initiatives.
The controversy arose following the announcement by Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek regarding the increased funding from the World Bank to Turkey. While social media discussions ensued regarding the five-year cooperation agreement, certain articles highlighted inclusive services, employment opportunities, and resilience-building efforts for vulnerable groups, sparking concerns among anti-LGBTI+ activists.
Tags: human rights
