Statement 110 - Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Geneva, Switzerland

Address: Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19 - Telephone: 022 799 9100 - Fax: 022 799 9178

8th Session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review

Intervention by Australia

by Ms Robyn Hodgkin
10 May, 2010

Turkey

Australia welcomes the delegation from Turkey and appreciates its engagement in the Universal Periodic Review Process.

We welcome the increasingly vibrant debate on historically sensitive issues in Turkey and the Government’s wish to promote dialogue and pluralism. We also note positive developments in Turkey’s legislative framework and encourage the Government to pursue constitutional reforms that increase confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law, strengthen Turkey’s human rights framework and reduce impunity for human rights violations.

Australia welcomes the Government’s dialogue with minority religious communities and its public awareness campaign on non-discrimination.

The launch of a 24-hour Kurdish-language state television station recognises Turkey’s linguistic diversity; however we remain concerned at general restrictions on broadcasting in minority languages. We are concerned at ongoing restrictions to freedom of expression and prosecution of individuals who express critical opinions or political views.

We reaffirm our support for Turkey’s fight against terrorism, however Australia shares the concern of the United Nations and other organisations that a broad interpretation of anti-terror laws in Turkey may lead to a large number of prosecutions and disproportionately long prison sentences, including for children.

We also echo the concerns of the Special Rapporteur regarding the prevalence of violence against women in certain regions, their comparatively low level of economic participation and opportunity, and the need for their political empowerment.

Australia recommends Turkey:

1. Align all articles of the Penal Code and other laws with international standards, particularly with regard to freedom of expression;

2. Ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, and independent and impartial investigations of all allegations of human rights violations;

3. Work constructively with all religious communities to lift undue constraints on designated places of worship, training of clergy, and lack of legal personality;

4. Strengthen anti-discrimination laws, and their implementation, to enhance tolerance and promote inclusiveness in Turkey.