Turkey

Revise or repeal current legal provisions that permit the blocking of online content And arrest citizens who practice freedom of expression rights.

The situation of freedom of expression and digital rights has worsened since the attempted coup in 2016 in this transcontinental country with a population of 84 million. Later in 2017 a referendum instituted a new presidential system of government in Turkey, eliminating the role of prime minister and transferring all the power to the president. Journalists, political activists, minorities and civil society are under constant crackdown in Turkey. Online platforms are under surveillance and political speeches can end in arrest and interrogations. Many social media platforms and media outlets are extensively blocked.

  • Households icon

    88%

    Households with internet access in 2021

  • Households icon

    81%

    Individuals using internet in 2021

  • Households icon

    20

    Fixed Broadband Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2020

  • Households icon

    149/180

    Press Freedom Ranking in 2022

Upr cycle

Turkey was last reviewed in January 2020. Their next review is in 3 months, which is scheduled for January 2025. It is currently in the NGO submission phase of its UPR cycle. To find out more about the UPR lifecycle click on the Uproar Tools button

Digital Rights and Free Expression Recommendations

Cycle 1
02
13
Cycle 2
17
35
Cycle 3
15
41
Cycle 4

Resources

    Partner organisations

    Over a hundred local and international human rights organisations are part of the wider Uproar programme. You can find them listed here.

    Turkey cluster

    The country clusters are a local working group in each Uproar target country made up of our partner organisations. The clusters are organised by local lead organisations, who then coordinate local civil society and human rights defenders with digital rights expertise to engage in national-level advocacy and campaigning.