Türkiye has experienced sustained pressure on democratic institutions, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in recent years. Increasing restrictions on civil and political rights, pressure on independent media, limitations on public participation, and the use of legal and administrative measures against activists and civil society organisations have contributed to a shrinking civic space.
Against this backdrop, the event organised by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and Norwegian PEN, will bring together perspectives from Türkiye and Norway to discuss the current state of democracy and human rights in Türkiye, as well as the challenges facing civil society organisations working to defend fundamental rights.
The first discussion will focus recent developments affecting democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in Türkiye, including restrictions on dissent, public participation and independent institutions, as well as Türkiye’s international human rights obligations.
The second discussion will focus on the challenges facing civil society, with perspectives from environmental, women’s rights and LGBTIQ+ rights organisations on pressures on civic space, as well as resilience, solidarity and opportunities for engagement.
The event will conclude with a conversation on Norway’s approach to developments in Türkiye and its role in supporting human rights, democratic governance and civil society.
To explore these topics, we invited NHC’s partner organisations from Türkiye working on environmental rights, women’s rights, and LGBTIQ+ rights: Armaş Foundation, Uçan Süpürge (Flying Broom) Women’s Communication and Research Association and University Queer Research and LGBTI+ Solidarity Association (Unikuir).
Program:
16:00 Coffee and registration
16:30 Welcome – Norwegian PEN
16:35 The state of democracy and human rights in Türkiye
17:15 Civil society’s challenges and opportunities amid democratic backsliding
A discussion with representatives of civil society working on environmental rights, gender equality and women’s rights, and LGBTIQ+ rights, followed by Q&A.
18:05 Coffee break
18:15 Conversation on Norway’s role and response
A conversation with a Norwegian political representative on Norway’s response to developments in Türkiye and its role in supporting human rights, democratic governance and civic space.
Participants TBC