Peaceful Actions Platform calls for justice for victims of human rights violations in Türkiye

STRASBOURG, France - PrZen -- The Peaceful Actions Platform, an international human rights platform established by various non-governmental organizations, calls for a demonstration in the city of Strasbourg, France, on Tuesday 20^th of June, to raise the public awareness of human rights violations in Türkiye and urges the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) – which is based in Strasbourg – to defend the rights of the victims of these violations. A similar demonstration gathered several thousand participants and supporters last year.

The Peaceful Actions Platform observes that, between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2023, 79,175 cases were lodged with the ECtHR against Türkiye, of which 51,119 were deemed inadmissible or rejected. Only 12,600 of the latter cases were dropped as a result of the newly created domestic Inquiry Commission on State of Emergency Measures. According to the Platform's findings, as of January 2023, the total number of pending applications against Türkiye was 20,100, which corresponds to 26.9% of all cases before the ECtHR. Türkiye is the country with the highest number of applications.

The violations have been widely documented and highlighted by relevant United Nations agencies, European Union bodies such as the European Commission and the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, the United States Department of State, the United Kingdom Home Office, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and prominent Turkish human rights advocates, the Peaceful Actions Platform underlines.

"We are very concerned that the ECtHR too often does not speak out against violations of fundamental human rights in Türkiye," Yasemin Aydin, Coordinator of Peaceful Actions Platform said.  "As guardians of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Europe, the ECtHR has a responsibility to take action to address these abuses and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. We urge the ECtHR to uphold its responsibility to impartially and independently address human rights violations in Türkiye, ensuring that victims receive a fair and effective process in line with international standards. We call on the ECtHR to fulfill its noble mission and stand as a beacon of hope for those affected by human rights violations in Türkiye. Justice delayed is justice denied."

About the Peaceful Actions Platform

The Peaceful Actions Platform was established by various non-governmental organizations to connect initiatives and organizations with shared goals of defending human rights and building sustainable peace worldwide. By expanding existing partnerships with different human rights organizations and creating a wider network of base organizations, the platform aims to foster collaboration and amplify the collective impact of these efforts.

Ana Sayfa - Peaceful Actions Platform