Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 21st Session
Universal Periodic Review of Turkey
Statement by Australia
27 January 2015
Australia welcomes Turkey’s progress in implementing the recommendations from its UPR in 2010, including efforts to advance the Kurdish peace process.
Australia emphasises the fundamental importance of an independent judiciary and recommends Turkey address concerns about increasing interference by the executive in the judiciary.
Australia notes international and civil society concerns about the Turkish authorities’ use of force in responding to political protest activity and the criminalisation of medical assistance in certain circumstances. Australia recommends Turkey reaffirm its commitment to freedom of assembly, a proportional and legitimate response to protest activity, and to a free media.
Australia welcomes Turkey’s efforts to progress the concerns of religious and other minorities. Australia recommends, however, Turkey intensify its commitment to working constructively with these groups to address their grievances, including those of Alevi groups and the status of cemevis.