The Republic of Cyprus has submitted formal recommendations to Turkey as part of the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which will be held during its 49th session from 8 September to 3 October 2025.
The review report, published by the UN, assesses Turkey’s compliance with its human rights obligations. It includes Turkey’s national presentation—outlining reforms in justice, women’s and children’s rights, refugee protection, freedom of expression, and the rule of law—along with responses to questions by UN member states and recommendations carried forward from the previous review cycle.
Among the more than 120 countries contributing recommendations, Cyprus put forward five specific proposals. These included a call for Turkey to consider joining the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to effectively investigate the fate of missing persons in Cyprus and ensure unhindered access for the Committee on Missing Persons, and to fully respect the rights of all Cypriots, including the enclaved. Cyprus also urged Turkey to allow unrestricted access to Christian religious monuments, to reverse its withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, and to fully implement European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decisions relating to the occupied areas of Cyprus and the right of displaced persons to return and reclaim their property.
Greece also made extensive recommendations, asking Turkey to comply with ECHR rulings on inheritance and property rights, including those concerning descendants of the Greek minority who are not Turkish nationals. It urged Turkey to ensure a safe environment for media, civil society, and political parties free from reprisals, and to respect the cultural rights of the Greek Orthodox minority, including maintaining heritage sites like Agia Sophia and the Chora Monastery as intercultural spaces. Greece further called on Turkey to recognise the legal status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, reopen the Halki Theological School, and allow non-Muslim communities to elect their leaders and manage their institutions. Additional points included tackling discrimination and violence against women and LGBTI persons and protecting minority rights.
Turkey categorically rejected all recommendations submitted by Cyprus, stating that it does not recognise the Republic or its authority to represent the entire island. It also dismissed all related claims regarding Cyprus and minority issues within Turkey, asserting that matters concerning missing persons, religious freedom, and cultural heritage in Cyprus fall solely under the jurisdiction of the Turkish Cypriot authorities. Similarly, Turkey rejected Greece’s recommendations, asserting that its presence in Cyprus is based on the 1960 treaties and its role as a guarantor power.
Other countries, including Norway, France, Canada, Portugal, Denmark, India, Germany, and Japan, called on Turkey to guarantee judicial independence, reform the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, and uphold the separation of powers. Numerous states urged revisions to Turkey’s anti-terror legislation, protection for journalists and human rights defenders, and the safeguarding of peaceful assembly rights.
Germany specifically recommended that Turkey strengthen judicial impartiality, align its defamation and disinformation laws with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and improve transparency. Ireland and Uruguay suggested including sexual orientation and gender identity in Article 122 of the Penal Code and legally protecting LGBTI individuals. Meanwhile, Eritrea and Lebanon emphasised the importance of improving refugee integration and ensuring access to healthcare, education, and justice.
Turkey’s national presentation highlighted the completion of its Third Judicial Reform Strategy (2019–2023) and the launch of its Fourth Strategy (2025–2029), which focuses on enhancing judicial independence and public access to legal resources. Cooperation with the EU and Council of Europe was also noted, particularly in improving the penal system and preventing rights violations. The country reported that it has implemented 90% of ECHR decisions—exceeding the European average.
Regarding gender-based violence, Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to combatting violence against women, defending its exit from the Istanbul Convention by pointing to its national legal framework. It noted the operation of the KADES app in 11 languages, a 24/7 support helpline, and nationwide educational programmes for offenders.
Nonetheless, many countries—including France, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, and Sweden—called on Turkey to criminalise femicide and sexual violence, return to the Istanbul Convention, expand shelter networks, and abolish legal leniency for so-called “honour crimes.”
The Cyprus recommendations to Turkey are among dozens put forward in this international human rights review, reflecting ongoing concerns around justice, accountability, and minority protection. Turkey’s responses and future compliance will remain under UN monitoring.
Source: CNA
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