INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
1. This report is an alternative to the Replies of the Government of Turkey to the list of issues prior to the submission of the fourth periodic report (LoIPR), distributed on 26 January 2014. On the other hand, this report aims to bring the concerning issues to the Committee’s attention within the period of review.
2. Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT) has been providing treatment and rehabilitation services to torture survivors and their relatives since 1990. HRFT submitted its report focussing on a wide range of topics in regards to Turkey’s 3rd Periodic Report to the Committee which was well reflected in its Concluding Observations (CAT/C/TUR/3).
This submission for the fourth period shall be considered as an output of not only HRFT but the relevant human rights organisations1 and numbers of human rights defenders.
3. The report follows the structure of the LoIPR and State’s Report focusing on the implementation of individual provisions of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). In addition, the report will address specific recent issues and events that have taken place after the issuance of the LoIPR.
4. The incidents introduced in this report were chosen based on verified cases and data, which provide examples of general patterns and problems of implementation of UNCAT. Therefore the case samples are to seen as examples of broader problems.