The UN Human Rights Committee concludes its 142nd session: Key findings on Türkiye

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) has concluded its 142nd session, providing critical observations on Türkiye’s second periodic report, which evaluates the country’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The findings highlight pressing issues, including non-discrimination and freedom of religion or belief.

On 16 September 2024, Freedom of Belief Initiative submitted a detailed report to the Committee ahead of its 142nd session.

HRC identified important compliance issues and called on Türkiye to take corrective action on freedom of religion or belief.

Conscientious objection to compulsory military service

• Türkiye has yet to recognize the right to conscientious objection and there is no provision of alternatives to it.
• Conscientious objectors face repeated administrative and judicial fines and imprisonment, alongside deprivation of civil and political rights.
• Criticism of compulsory military service is criminalized under Article 318 of the Penal Code.

Türkiye should recognize the right to conscientious objection to compulsory military service, offer alternative civilian services of a non-discriminatory and non-punitive nature, and repeal or amend Article 318.

Restrictions against religious minorities

The Committee expressed concern about,

• the restrictions to practice faith without discrimination imposed on non-Muslim religious communities, including restrictions to registration and to buy or hold title of property;
• Protestant and Jehovah’s Witness communities facing bureaucratic difficulties in registering places of worship;
• allegations of discriminatory practices, including entry bans, non-renewal or revocation of residence permits and deportations of non-Turkish members of Protestant and Jehovah’s Witnesses communities;
• lack of official recognition of Alevi worship practices.

The government should ensure respect for freedom of thought, conscience and religion for all and prevent, combat and address all forms of discrimination against religious minorities. In this regard, it should repeal or amend all legislation, policies and practices that discriminate against religious minorities, and regarding places of worship and freedom of movement of foreign members of religious communities.

Discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes

The Committee also called on Türkiye to ensure that all acts of discrimination, hate speech and hate crime are promptly and effectively investigated, perpetrators are brought to justice and, if convicted, punished with appropriate sanctions and that victims are provided with adequate remedies.

Upholding human rights for all

The Committee has urged Türkiye to address these concerns to meet its obligations under the ICCPR. The Committee’s recommendations highlight the need for legislative reforms and stronger protections for minority rights and freedom of religion or belief.

For more details on the session’s observations and recommendations, please click here.