TURKEY: Children's Ombudsperson

Summary: Information about institutions in Turkey that monitor children's rights.

Children's Ombudsperson

In 2001 the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its deep concern at the absence of an independent institution dedicated to children's rights.  In 2006, Turkey established a new Public Inspection Authority, including an ombudsman function. Under this Authority, it was anticipated that one of five deputy ombudsmen would be appointed and serve as an ombudsman for children’s affairs.

An independent human rights board has also been established for the protection of human rights. The Directorate for Human Rights was established by law in 2001, under the office of the Prime Minister. In accordance with this law, provincial and local Human Rights Boards have been formed in 81 cities and 850 towns. The regulations for the foundation, functions and operation of the Boards and County Human Rights were issued on 23 November 2003, enabling the participation of non-governmental organizations in the work of the Boards. The primary functions of the Human Rights Boards are as follows:

- to review and investigate allegations of breaches of human rights,

- to review and investigate the impediments in protecting human rights and freedoms and the social, political, legal and administrative causes leading to breaches of human rights, and to submit suggestions to the local authorities on resolving these difficulties,

- to help prevent all kinds of discrimination, and

- to help ensure that the executive bodies treat members of the public with tolerance and courtesy.

Countries

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