It was posted to the Working Group report on its Ecumenical Periodic Assessment (UPR), which will take place at the 49th Council of the UN Human Rights Council (September 8-October 3, 2025).
The report examines Turkey’s compliance with its human rights obligations. Specifically, it includes the national presentation of Turkey, with reference to reforms for its independence, the rights of women, children, the protection of refugees, freedom of expression and the rule of law, Turkey’s answers to UN Member States’ questions, as well as in recommendations from the previous cycle.
The report also includes a detailed list of recommendations from more than 120 countries, which relate to issues such as judicial reform, gender -based violence, education, freedom of expression, discrimination and the rights of minorities.
Recommendations from Greece
In this document, Greece made six specific recommendations to Ankara, calling it:
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“To comply with the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights regarding hereditary and property rights, including those offspring members of the Greek minority who are not Turkish nationals.”
“To comply with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights for human rights violations in the regions of Cyprus under Turkish occupation.”
“To guarantee a safe environment for the media, civil society, political parties without fear of retaliation.”
“To respect the cultural rights of the Greek Orthodox minority, including the preservation of world heritage monuments such as Hagia Sophia and the Monastery of the country as intercultural spaces.”
“To guarantee religious freedom, including recognizing the legal status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the reopening of the Halki Theological School and the provision of non -Muslim communities to elect their leaders and manage their institutions.”
“Treat the distinction and violence against women and people LGBTKI and ensuring the protection of minorities.”
and Cyprus
Correspondingly, the Republic of Cyprus asked Turkey:
“To examine the accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
“To effectively investigate the fate of the missing in Cyprus and to ensure uninterrupted access to the missing committee.”
“To fully respect the rights of all Cypriots, including the trapped, and to allow unlimited access to Christian religious monuments.”
“To undo the decision to withdraw from the Constantinople Convention.”
“To fully implement the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights for the Occupied Territory and to restore the right to return and ownership of the displaced.”
Categorical rejection by Turkey
Turkey categorically rejected all the recommendations made by the Republic of Cyprus, stating that “it does not recognize or accept its claims to represent the whole island”.
He also rejected all the allegations related to and minority issues in Turkey.
In addition, he rejected the establishment of Greece, arguing that “Turkey’s presence in Cyprus stems from the international treaties of 1960 and in the context of its obligations as a guarantor force”.
Regarding issues of missing, assets, religious freedom and cultural heritage, Turkey said that “they are solely under the jurisdiction of the Turkish Cypriot authorities, which take all necessary measures”.
Many countries such as Norway, France, Canada, Portugal, Denmark, India, Germany and Japan have called on Turkey to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, to reshape the Council of Judges and Prosecutors and to secure the separation of powers.
Numerous states have asked Turkey to amend anti -terrorist legislation, protect journalists and human rights defenders, and secure the right to peaceful rally.
Germany has requested, inter alia, to strengthen the independence and impartiality of the judicial system, as well as the revision and compliance of its counter -terrorism law on defamation and misinformation legislation, in order to align with the international pact for individual and political rights.
It is also recommended by Ireland and Uruguay to include sexual orientation and gender identity in Article 122 of the Criminal Code and the legislative protection of LGBTKI people.
Repeated recommendations were also given by Eritrea and Lebanon to enhance the integration of refugees and to ensure access to health, education and justice.
What does the report on justice report
Turkey-according to the report-presented the “Third Strategy of Judicial Reform” (2019-2023) and the launch of the “Fourth Strategy” (2025-2029), which aims to enhance the independence of justice and the access of citizens to legal means.
Cooperation with the EU and the Council of Europe has also been presented to improve the criminal system and prevent violations. At the same time, the decisions of international and national courts in view of the new human rights action plan are being considered.
Turkey said it implements 90% of the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, exceeding the European average.
What does it say about gender violence
Turkey reiterated its commitment to violence against women, but defended its departure from the Constantinople Convention, stating that it had a national legal framework to address it.
The operation of the “Kades” application in 11 languages, the 24/7 aid line was emphasized and the implementation of educational programs for victims across the country.
Dozens of countries such as France, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, Sweden have asked Turkey to:
- To characterize a crime of feminine and sexual violence
- To return to the Constantinople Convention
- Reinforce the shelter network
- To abolish the mitigators in the “criminal acts of honor”.
