“The Congress is deeply concerned by reports of coordinated raids, detentions and restrictions targeting LGBTI organisations, activists and human rights defenders in Türkiye,” stated Congress Rapporteur on LGBTI rights, Helen Belcher (United Kingdom, R, ILDG).
“According to the information received, judicial proceedings have been initiated against a large number of individuals and organisations across several provinces. These proceedings have reportedly been accompanied by searches of association offices and private homes, detentions and the seizure of electronic devices. Access to the websites and social media accounts of a number of LGBTI organisations and activists has also reportedly been restricted.
“Measures that aim to investigate criminal offences and to protect public safety must be based on law, be necessary and proportionate to a legitimate aim, and must not be used to restrict fundamental freedoms or to target people and organisations because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or their legitimate human rights work. Simply being an LGBTI person or organisation should not automatically mean they are under suspicion or can be targeted with impunity. Using “family values” to justify such actions ignores that LGBTI people are also in families.
“Freedoms of expression, and of assembly and association are fundamental human rights protected under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Civil society organisations play an essential role in a democratic society, including by supporting vulnerable communities and contributing to public debate.
“I therefore call on the Turkish authorities to ensure that all proceedings concerning LGBTI organisations, activists and human rights defenders fully respect the rule of law and the fundamental rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. I also urge the authorities to ensure that any restrictions on civil society organisations and online expression are subject to effective judicial scrutiny and clearly meet the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.
“Those exercising their fundamental freedoms peacefully should not face intimidation, discrimination or criminalisation. The Congress stands in solidarity with local and regional actors and civil society organisations working to uphold human rights and inclusive democratic participation, and will continue to follow developments in Türkiye closely."
The Congress will hold a debate on the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly of LGBTI people at the 51st Congress Session in October 2026 on the basis of the report “Free to speak, free to meet: guaranteeing the rights of LGBTI persons in local communities” which will be submitted for adoption.
