Turkey - The Situation of Kurdish Children

KHRP is concerned for the welfare of many children in Turkey, who, largely due to widespread poverty and the authorities' failure adequately to address their situation, have not received adequate protection as enshrined in various international instruments including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, a new report assesses the inevitably grave impact that has been wrought on Kurdish children following their combined experiences of armed conflict and continued discrimination.

While many visitors to Turkey would observe Kurdish children who have been forced to work on the streets following their displacement and poverty, there remains little documented research into their situation.

Kurdish children in Turkey, especially displaced children, suffer inadequate provision of the most basic needs: suitable housing, healthcare, basic nutrition and access to education. Many such children have been forced on the streets or elsewhere. Levels of emotional stress and depression are high; those subjected to detention have frequently faced torture or ill-treatment.

KHRP considers Kurdish girls to be exceptionally vulnerable due to other factors, including the frequency of domestic violence, sexual abuse and forced early marriage.

This report provides an overview of the socio-economic and historical factors which have brought about this situation. It assesses the implications of discrimination, housing, nutrition and health, education, child labour, street children and juvenile justice. Throughout, the report refers to Turkey's international legal obligations; urging the international community to recall these obligations when considering Turkey's eligibility for EU accession.

ISBN 1 900175 77 0