Submission to the UN Committee against Torture – Torture and Ill-Treatment in Türkiye
This report was prepared by the Security Studies and Rule of Law Association (SRL Swiss) for consideration in connection with Türkiye’s fifth periodic report before the United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) at its 80th Session.
Document Information
Document Type: Civil Society Submission / Shadow Report
Institution: United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT)
Country Review: Türkiye – Fifth Periodic Report
Session: 80th Session, 8–26 July 2024
Original Submission Date: 9 June 2024
OHCHR Publication Date: 25 June 2024
Document Number: INT/CAT/CSS/TUR/58749
Official UN Record: OHCHR Treaty Body Database
Language: English
The report examines allegations and reported patterns of torture and ill-treatment in Türkiye, with particular attention to developments during and after the state of emergency declared following July 2016. It assesses Türkiye’s obligations under the Convention against Torture and reviews concerns relating to the legal definition and criminalization of torture, safeguards for persons deprived of their liberty, detention practices and access to effective remedies.
The submission also addresses fundamental legal safeguards, allegations of enforced disappearances, investigation mechanisms and accountability. It considers whether existing legal and institutional protections are effectively implemented in practice and whether allegations of torture and ill-treatment are investigated promptly, independently and effectively.
Drawing on documented cases and the issues previously raised by the Committee, the report calls for stronger safeguards against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, effective investigations into alleged violations, and greater accountability in accordance with Türkiye’s international human rights obligations.