By Jane Doe, July 4, 2024, 10:30 AM ET
A bipartisan group of 142 House lawmakers is urging President Biden to address Turkey’s systematic human rights abuses during the NATO Summit, scheduled for July 9-11 in Washington, D.C. The lawmakers emphasize the urgent need for the U.S. to push Turkey to comply with international law amid ongoing concerns about transnational repression and political imprisonment.
Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has faced increasing scrutiny for its human rights record. The Biden administration has acknowledged “significant human rights issues” in Turkey, as highlighted in the State Department’s 2023 country reports. Despite these concerns, the U.S. has maintained close ties with Ankara, recognizing its strategic importance as a NATO ally and its role in hosting over 3 million Syrian refugees.
Facts and Figures:
- The State Department’s 2023 report cites “limited steps” by Turkey to address human rights abuses.
- Turkey has been accused of using Interpol notices to target dissidents abroad.
- Over 100 Turkish nationals have been forcibly transferred back to Turkey since the 2016 coup attempt.
Victim Stories:
- Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player, has been outspoken against Erdoğan’s regime. His family in Turkey has faced harassment, and he has been targeted with an Interpol red notice and bounty.
Causes and Contributors:
- The 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey has led to widespread crackdowns on dissent, with numerous allegations of torture, denial of legal rights, and coerced confessions.
Response and Actions:
- The UN Special Rapporteur condemned Turkey’s practice of state-sponsored extraterritorial abduction in a 2020 letter, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.
Quotes
“We urge you, President Biden, to prioritize human rights and press the Turkish government to cease its transnational repression campaign, unconditionally release political prisoners, and restore the rule of law,” wrote Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) in the letter. “Your intervention is crucial to upholding the values of democracy and human rights on the global stage.”
Visual Elements
Caption: Protesters in Turkey demanding human rights reforms.
Legal and International Perspective
Turkey’s actions have raised significant concerns under international law. The systematic practice of extraterritorial abductions and forcible returns, as condemned by the UN, violates numerous international human rights conventions.
Engagement
Reflect on the impact of transnational repression and the importance of upholding human rights standards globally. Explore further readings on Turkey’s human rights record and international law.
Conclusion
The bipartisan call to President Biden underscores the urgency of addressing Turkey’s non-compliance with international law. As the NATO Summit approaches, there is a pivotal opportunity for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to human rights and democracy on the global stage.
