Norway's statement during the 35th UPR session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Turkey on 28 January 2020. Foreign Service Trainee Helene Opsal delivered the statement.
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President,
Norway welcomes Turkey’s participation in the UPR and notes that the Human Rights situation has deteriorated since its last review, despite some positive steps taken [including the launching of Turkey’s judicial reform package].
Norway recommends:
- Ensure freedom of expression in all its forms by refraining from censoring social and conventional media [including online], and fully enabling and respecting academic and artistic freedom.
- Continue to strengthen and ensure women’s rights, by combatting violence against women and fully implementing the Istanbul Convention.
- Strengthen the independence of the judicial system and follow due judicial process according to Turkey’s international obligations and standards.
- Ensure and practice non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Fully respect the right to assembly and create a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders.
Thank you.