Case No Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply TUR 6/2011 17/11/2011 Turkey JUA Arbitrary detention; Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Minority issues; Terrorism; Alleged arrest and detention of, and legal proceedings launched against, human rights defenders, lawyers and academics in the context of anti-terrorism operations in Turkey. On 28 October 2011, Mr. Ragip Zarakolu and Ms. Ersanli were arrested together with 50 other persons in Istanbul and were subsequently charged with “membership in an illegal organization - „Koma Ciwaken Kurdistan - Kurdistan Communities League/Assembly of Turkey‟ (KCK/TM)”. Concern is expressed at the allegations that their detention may be solely linked to their activities as human rights defenders and the exercise of their right to freedom of opinion and expression. The communication also includes allegations about the validity of the charges brought against Ms. Filiz Kalayci, Messrs. Hasan Anlar, Halil Ibrahim Vargün and Murat Vargün in the context of their trial before the 11th Heavy Penal Court of Ankara. It is alleged that during the trial some witnesses withdrew their initial accusatory statements as these had been obtained under pressure. Further concern is expressed about the ongoing trial of Ms. Zeynep Ceren Bozpotrak, a lawyer accused of “propaganda for an illegal organization”. It is reported that charges brought against Ms. Bozpotrak are based on her proposals of law amendments which were prepared in the context of her work for a human rights association. Allegedly, the charges further relate to the advice to remain silent that Ms. Bozpotrak had given to one of her clients. THA 8/2011 18/11/2011 Thailand JUA Adequate housing; Arbitrary detention; Food; Internally displaced persons; Migrants; Water and Sanitation; Alleged arbitrary arrest and detention and lack of access to food, water and adequate housing and 24/11/2011 other alleged human rights violations of migrant workers in Thailand in the context of the flood crisis. According to information received, migrant workers working and living in Thailand have been arrested and detained for travelling outside of their permitted areas of work or for lack of identification documents as they have escaped flooded areas to seek shelter, reunite with relatives, or return to their countries of origin. Many of the arrests and detention have allegedly occurred in Mae Sot, Tak Province, at the border with Myanmar. Reports of lack of access to food and water for migrants whilst in detention or in certain areas due to migrant workers being excluded from distribution of food and other essential items according to house registration records have also been received. It is further alleged that migrant workers have been denied access to emergency shelters as some facilities have allegedly been open to Thai citizens only, whilst other shelters have required the holding of a recommendation or certificate from the Ministry of Labour. According to information received, migrant workers have furthermore had difficulties in accessing assistance due to poor or little access to information. Deportation of migrants from Thailand to Myanmar have also been reported which could be in violation of the obligation of non-refoulement. A/HRC/19/44 142 Date Type