DocumentsDate added

Recognition of linguistic rights? The impact of pro-EU reforms in Turkey : Fact Finding Mission

A joint fact-finding mission to Turkey's south-east conducted by KHRP, the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) and the EU-Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) investigated the current restrictions on linguistic rights enjoyed by minorities in Turkey and the efficacy of pro-EU reforms. The mission found that demand for Kurdish language education remains high. The mission concluded that lifting restrictions on education and broadcasting in Kurdish would be a giant step towards a multicultural, pluralist and ultimately peaceful Turkey.

ISBN: 1900175932

Copies of this report are available from the KHRP for £10.00 (+ P&P)

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The Status of Internally Displaced Kurds in Turkey and Compensation Rights: FFM Report

The Status of Internally Displaced Kurds in Turkey and Compensation Rights: Fact Finding Mission Report

A fact-finding mission to Turkey's south-east conducted by KHRP, the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) and the EU-Turkey Civic Commission investigated the current status of the region's internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their rights to compensation. In conducting its research, the mission interviewed IDPs living in slums in Diyarkakir, local and national NGO representatives, and representatives of political parties concerned with the law. The mission found that the capacity of Turkey's "Law on Compensation for Damage Arising from Terror and Combating Terror" (Law No. 5233) to bring about justice was dramatically reduced by the law's prohibitive provisions. It concludes that Law No. 5233 is failing to dramatically improve the situation of IDPs in Turkey, and to protect their basic human rights. The report urges the Turkish Government to seriously reconsider its policy towards IDPs.

ISBN 1 900175916

Copies of this report are available from the KHRP for £10.00 (+ P&P)

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Dissenting Voices: Freedom of Expression and Association in Turkey - Fact Finding Mission Report

A joint fact-finding mission to Turkey conducted by KHRP and the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) investigated the rights of certain groups fundamental to the protection of civil and political rights. The report details the protection currently afforded to journalists, writers, artists and human rights defenders, particularly since the introduction of wide-ranging pro-EU reforms recently enacted in Turkey. The mission finds that despite legislative reforms to encourage freedom of expression and freedom of association many lawyers, journalists and political activists continue to experience harassment by the state. The mission concludes that the Turkish government must commit to genuine press freedom and freedom of expression and further calls upon the EU to take on a more active role in emphasising the importance of genuine implementation of these rights.

ISBN: 1900175908

Copies of this report are available from the KHRP for £10.00 (+ P&P)

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Freedom of Expression and of Association in Turkey

Freedom of Expression and of Association in Turkey - Camille Overson Hensler and Mark Muller

As the continuing prosecutions of journalists, publishers, human rights defenders, novelists and artists continue, it is clear that there remain concerns over freedom of expression and freedom of association in Turkey. In spite of measures taken to improve prospects of EU accession, there is disquieting evidence that violations of freedom of expression and of association have in fact been increasing over the past few months. This report provides a background to the situation of Kurds in Turkey and of the government's international obligations. It evaluates the efficacy of a range of pro-EU reforms passed, and concludes that much remains to be done before Turkey could be set to meet European standards on civil and political rights.

ISBN: 1900175940

Copies of this report are available from the KHRP for £10.00 (+ P&P)

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KHRP Legal Review 8 (2005)

This is the only existing legal journal covering significant legislative and policy developments in the Kurdish regions of Turkey , Iraq , Iran , Syria and elsewhere.  Published biannually, this edition covers the period from June to December 2005, including summaries and analysis of all of the most significant European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) decisions.  Uniquely, this journal includes information about new cases that have not yet reached any judicial decision; but nonetheless provide invaluable updates about the most recent allegations of human rights violations to be submitted to international courts and mechanisms.  This edition features news and updates on all the Kurdish regions, as well as eight new communicated cases, five admissibility decisions and 23 judgments of the ECtHR.  Declan O'Callaghan, barrister, analyses the sufficiency of legal protection from torture or ill-treatment afforded to prisoners under interrogation; while Sharon Linzey, professor of sociology, examines the right to compensation afforded to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Turkey.  The journal is of interest to lawyers, human rights defenders and NGO representatives in the Kurdish regions and elsewhere.

ISSN 1748-0639          £8.00+P&P

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