The first study visit under the joint EU/CoE project on “Improving the Effectiveness of Family Courts: Better Protection of the Rights of Family Members” took place in Berlin between 14-16 September 2022.
The Turkish delegation, led by the President of the Justice Academy of Türkiye, was composed of 11 members including: a representative of the Court of Cassation, Secretary General of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, Ankara (West) Chief Public Prosecutor, Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Justice, a Head of Department and judges from the Justice Academy of Türkiye and family court judges.
Extensive discussions were held with the representatives of the German Federal Ministry of Justice, the German Academy of Justice, the Berlin Court of Appeals, the Berlin (Kreuzberg) First Instance Courts.
The visit provided an in-depth review and elaboration on the functioning of the German family justice system, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in family proceedings, divorce law, alimony and custody.
As a follow up to the visit, a recommendations report will be prepared, and it is expected to serve as a guide for possible implementation of good practices and legal solutions in the Turkish family justice system.
The “Improving the Effectiveness of Family Courts: Better Protection of the Rights of Family Members” Project is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe and Justice Academy of Türkiye. The Project aims to ensure rule of law and fundamental rights in Türkiye as fully in line with international and European standards and to improve the effectiveness of family courts in protecting the rights of women, children, and other family members.
