A/HRC/45/2
with the President and the constitutional order, killing 251 innocent citizens, and 2,391
were wounded overnight. Turkey specified that its fight against terrorism protected the
most fundamental rights of its citizens as well as millions in its region.
729. Turkey stated that it made progress in its reform agenda since the termination of the
State of Emergency two years ago (2018). The Judicial Reform Strategy and the pursuant
legislative reforms were introduced before its universal periodic review session. The
Turkish Government maintained its strong political will to pursue its reform process with a
view to expanding the scope of fundamental freedoms for all. Turkey announced that two
more legislative amendment packages have been adopted since then. These reform
packages were mainly aimed at strengthening fundamental rights and freedoms, in
particular, freedom of expression and victims’ rights. It also introduced limitations to the
length of pre-trial detention while bringing several improvements concerning the promotion
of judges and prosecutors. Such measures were aimed at strengthening the independence
and impartiality of the judiciary. It considered that these amendments were the best
manifestation of Turkey’s resolve for further progress in the field of human rights.
730. In conclusion, Ambassador Arslan noted that Turkey’s resolve will continue
unabated and the supported universal periodic review recommendations certainly proved to
be helpful, both in shaping its future reforms and in drawing Turkey closer to the
Sustainable Development Goals.
2.
Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the outcome of the
review
731. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Turkey, 13 delegations made
statements.**
732. Mauritania welcomed the comprehensive presentation by Turkey on all the points
and recommendations and valued the efforts made by Turkey in the institutional and
legislative framework to promote and strengthen human rights protection mechanisms. It
commended the efforts of Turkey in reviewing the national legislation to align it in
compliance with international obligations under human rights treaties, following its
universal periodic review. It welcomed Turkey’s cooperation in submitting its reports to
human rights treaty bodies, as part of its commitments in complying with its international
obligations.
733. Morocco welcomed Turkey’s acceptance of more than 260 recommendations of the
previous universal periodic review cycle, which underlined its willingness to continue
progressing in the promotion and protection of human rights. In particular, Morocco
commended Turkey for accepting the recommendation made by its delegation. Morocco
reiterated its appreciation for Turkey’s strong and sincere engagement with the universal
periodic review process.
734. Namibia thanked the delegation of Turkey for its transparency and constructive
participation and commitment to the universal periodic review process. Namibia stated that
it attached great importance to the human rights of women and girls as they continue to
experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence. It praised
Turkey’s strong commitment to enhance the protection of the human rights of women and
** The statements of the delegations that were unable to deliver them owing to time constraints which
were made available are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council, at
https://extranet.ohchr.org/sites/hrc/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/45session/Pages/Oralstatements.aspx
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