Thank you, Mr Vice President,

We recognise efforts by Türkiye to address human rights concerns. The UK urges Türkiye to take further action to uphold freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media freedom, in accordance with its international human rights obligations.

We recommend Türkiye:

1. Strengthens judicial independence by amending constitutional provisions for appointing members of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, ensuring peer election and preventing executive interference.

2. Protects workers’ rights by enhancing legal frameworks for trade unions, prevents harassment and intimidation, and guarantees the right to union activities without reprisals.

3. Eliminates restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, ensuring no undue interference and allows independent media to operate freely, without fear of censorship.

Thank you.