Türkiye Policy White Paper on “Human Rights and COVID-19 Pandemic”

Turkey
Ashqua Shaikh
21060441008
 Executive Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world, including Turkey. As the outbreak
spread, the Turkish government implemented measures to prevent the spread of the virus,
including lockdowns, restrictions on travel, and mandatory mask-wearing. These measures have
had a significant impact on human rights in Turkey, particularly with regards to the freedom of
expression, the right to assembly, and privacy rights.
This white paper will explore the impact of COVID-19 on human rights in Turkey, including the
right to health, the right to work, the right to education, the right to privacy, and the right to
freedom of expression. It will thoroughly examine the measures implemented by the Turkish
government in response to the pandemic, assessing the extent to which they respect human rights
and examining potential alternatives. Additionally, it will study the national strategies and action
plans implemented by the government to safeguard human rights amidst the pandemic crisis. It
will also scrutinize the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations in Turkey, including
refugees, migrants, and the elderly.
Furthermore, the paper will also explore the role of civil society and human rights organizations
in Turkey in monitoring the government's response to COVID-19 and advocating for the
protection of human rights. It will examine the challenges faced by these organizations in the
current climate, including restrictions on freedom of expression and the use of emergency
powers.
Ultimately, this white paper aims to contribute to the ongoing conversation around the
relationship between COVID-19 and human rights in Turkey. Hopefully, it will serve as a
valuable resource for policymakers, human rights advocates, and members of the public who are
concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on our fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey.
 Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on human rights in Turkey, majorly with
concerns regarding the government's response to the outbreak, access to healthcare, and the
treatment of vulnerable groups.
Freedom of expression and assembly have been curtailed in Turkey since the outbreak of
COVID-19. In March 2020, the Turkish government passed a law imposing heavy fines and
prison sentences on individuals who spread "false information" about the pandemic. This law has
been used to silence critics of the government's handling of the outbreak, including journalists
and activists. In addition, protests have been banned or dispersed by police, and several
individuals have been arrested for participating in demonstrations. Turkey's healthcare system
has been under significant strain due to the pandemic, with many hospitals and medical facilities
overwhelmed by the number of COVID-19 patients.
Vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants, have also been affected by the pandemic.
Turkey is home to over 3.6 million refugees, including 3.5 million Syrian refugees. Many
refugees and migrants have been left without access to adequate healthcare or social support
during the pandemic. In April 2020, the Turkish government announced that it would provide
free healthcare to all refugees and migrants, regardless of their legal status. However, there have
been reports of difficulties accessing healthcare for these groups, including a lack of information
about available services and a shortage of medical staff. There have also been concerns about the
treatment of prisoners during the pandemic. In April 2020, the Turkish government announced
that it would release up to 90,000 prisoners to reduce overcrowding in prisons and curb the
spread of the virus. However, the release of political prisoners has been limited, and there have
been reports of ill-treatment and inadequate medical care for prisoners who have contracted
COVID-19.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant human rights implications in Turkey.
The government undertook several measures to mitigate the issues arising due to the pandemic
which deeply hampered the human rights of its population. These implications and the following
government’s response which came out as action plans and key policy responses in the country,
along with the role of civil society organizations will be critically examined and elaborated in
this white paper.
 The Government’s Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Turkish government has implemented several national strategies and action plans to
safeguard human rights during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures aim to mitigate the
negative impact of the pandemic on vulnerable groups and ensure that basic human rights are
protected. Some of the National Strategies and Corresponding Action plans that have been
initiated by the Turkish government are as follows:

1] For mitigating Social, Economic and Educational Challenges

 Social Support Program to ensure right to livelihood and right to work

The Social Support Program launched by the Turkish government aimed to provide financial
assistance to low-income families and individuals who have been impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic. The program is designed to support vulnerable groups, including refugees and
migrants, who may have lost their jobs or experienced a significant reduction in income due to
the pandemic. Under the program, eligible households receive a monthly cash transfer to help
cover basic living expenses such as food, rent, and utilities. The amount of the transfer varied
depending on the household size and income level. The program also provides food assistance in
the form of food packages or meal vouchers, as well as other forms of support such as childcare
assistance and assistance with medical expenses. In addition to the Social Support Program, the
Turkish government has increased the minimum wage to help workers who may be struggling
due to the pandemic. The government has also provided additional financial support to
businesses and self-employed individuals who have been impacted by the pandemic. This
includes loans and grants to help businesses cover their operating expenses and maintain their
workforce.
Overall, the Social Support Program and other financial assistance measures have been critical in
mitigating the economic impact of the pandemic on vulnerable groups. These programs have
helped to ensure that low-income families and individuals have access to basic necessities and
support during a challenging time. However, there have been criticisms that the support provided
may not have been enough to cover the full cost of living, and that some vulnerable groups have
been left out of the support system.
The government also undertook some corresponding economic measures to safeguard human
rights hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Financial support for businesses: The government has provided additional financial support
to businesses and self-employed individuals. This includes providing tax breaks, interest-free
loans, and grants.
 Incentives for investment: The government has implemented measures to encourage
investment during the pandemic. This includes reducing taxes, providing subsidies for
investment projects, and offering other incentives to businesses.
 Credit guarantees: The government has provided credit guarantees to banks to encourage
them to provide loans to businesses affected by the pandemic. This has helped to ensure that
businesses have access to the financing they need to weather the economic impact of the
pandemic.
 Suspension of loan repayments: The government has suspended loan repayments for some
businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic. This has helped to ease the financial
burden on those who have been hardest hit by the crisis.

 Education Continuity Plan to ensure right to education

The Turkish government acknowledged the right to education even during the crisis and has
taken several measures to ensure that education continues despite the challenges posed by the
COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of schools and universities due to the pandemic has disrupted
the education of millions of students, but the government has made efforts to ensure that learning
can continue in a safe and effective manner. One of the most significant measures taken by the
government has been the provision of online learning resources. The government has established
online learning platforms where students can access educational materials and participate in
online classes. These platforms include video lectures, interactive exercises, and other
educational resources that students can use to continue their studies at home.
In addition to online learning resources, the government has also distributed educational
materials to students to support their learning at home. These materials include textbooks,
workbooks, and other resources that students can use to complete their coursework and stay
engaged in their studies. To ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not left
behind, the government has provided additional support to these students. This includes
providing laptops and other devices to students who may not have access to technology at home
and additional financial support to families struggling to support their children's education. The
Turkish government has also implemented distance learning programs to provide students with
more structured learning opportunities. These programs include live online classes and virtual
tutoring sessions, which allow students to interact with their teachers and classmates in real-time.
The Turkish government have been critical in ensuring that students can continue their education
despite the pandemic-related school closures but however, there have been concerns raised about
the quality and effectiveness of distance learning, particularly for students from disadvantaged
backgrounds who may not have access to the necessary resources or support.
 Prisoner Release Plan to ensure Right to Health and Right to Life
The Turkish government has taken measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the
country's prisons and to ensure the safety and well-being of prisoners. One of these measures has
been the release of some prisoners on probation or parole, particularly those who are older or
have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness or death if they
contract COVID-19. The government has also taken steps to reduce overcrowding in prisons,
which is a significant risk factor for COVID-19 transmission. This includes the use of alternative
sentencing options, such as home confinement, electronic monitoring, or community service.
The government has also accelerated the processing of parole requests and increased the use of
bail to reduce the number of people in pre-trial detention. To ensure the safety of prisoners who
remain in custody, the government has implemented measures to prevent the spread of COVID-
19 within prisons. This includes increased testing and screening of prisoners and staff, as well as
the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies. The government has
also implemented quarantine measures for new arrivals and isolation measures for those who test
positive for COVID-19.
The release of some prisoners on probation or parole has been welcomed by human rights
organizations as a positive step to protect vulnerable individuals from COVID-19. However,
some critics have argued that the government's response has not gone far enough, and that more
needs to be done to address issues such as overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in Turkish
prisons.

2] For mitigating the health-related challenges and ensuring right to life and right to health

 Health Infrastructure Improvement Plan

The Turkish government has taken significant steps to improve its health infrastructure to
respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with its robust Health Infrastructure Improvement Plan.
This includes investments in personnel, facilities, and supplies to ensure that the health system
can adequately respond to the pandemic.
One of the most significant efforts has been the recruitment of additional healthcare workers to
provide care to COVID-19 patients. The government has hired new medical staff, including
doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, to work in hospitals and healthcare facilities
across the country. Additionally, the government has implemented training programs to prepare
healthcare workers to manage COVID-19 patients and prevent the spread of the virus. Another
key component of the health infrastructure improvement plan has been the construction of new
hospitals and healthcare facilities. The government has invested in the construction of new
hospitals specifically for COVID-19 patients, as well as the renovation of existing hospitals to
expand their capacity to provide care to COVID-19 patients. The government has also
established new intensive care units and respiratory therapy units to support the care of critically
ill patients.
In addition to personnel and facilities, the Turkish government has also provided essential
medical supplies to healthcare facilities across the country. This includes personal protective
equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and gowns, and other medical supplies such as
ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and COVID-19 testing kits.

 Comprehensive Testing and Contact Tracing Program

To ensure that individuals who have been infected with the virus are identified and isolated, the
government has implemented a comprehensive testing and contact tracing program. The
government has established COVID-19 testing centers across the country, with a goal of
providing testing to all individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Additionally, the
government has implemented a contact tracing program to identify and isolate individuals who
may have encountered an infected person.
Though, the Health Infrastructure Improvement Plan and the Comprehensive Testing and
Contact Tracing Program have been critical in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. However,
there have been concerns raised about the capacity of the health system to manage the surge in
cases, particularly during periods of high transmission.

 Mental Health Support Programme

The Turkish government has recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant
impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities across the country.
In response, the government has launched several mental health support measures under the
mental health programme to address this issue.
One of the key initiatives has been the provision of access to counseling services for individuals
who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges related to the
pandemic. This has included expanding the availability of tele-therapy services to allow
individuals to access support from the safety of their own homes. Additionally, the government
has set up hotlines and online resources for mental health support to provide individuals with
immediate access to information and resources. The government has also worked to raise
awareness about the importance of mental health during the pandemic and to reduce the stigma
associated with seeking support. This has included public education campaigns that highlight the
availability of mental health services and encourage individuals to seek help when they need it.
Moreover, the government has worked with healthcare professionals and mental health experts to
develop and implement evidence-based interventions to support the mental health of individuals
affected by the pandemic. These interventions include online self-help resources, support groups,
and mental health training for healthcare professionals.
Mental health support measures have been critical in helping individuals and communities cope
with the psychological impact of the pandemic. By providing access to counseling services,
setting up hotlines, and raising awareness about the importance of mental health, the government
has taken steps to address this critical issue and to ensure that individuals have access to the
support they need during this challenging time.

3] To help other countries mitigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic

 Humanitarian and Financial Aid Plan

The Turkish government has recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic is a global issue and has
taken steps to provide humanitarian and financial aid to other countries affected by the
pandemic. The government has sent medical supplies, equipment, and financial assistance to
support international efforts to combat the virus.
The Turkish government has also provided assistance to refugees and migrants who have been
impacted by the pandemic. This includes providing medical care, housing, and other basic needs
to refugees and migrants who have been affected by the pandemic. The government has also
worked with international organizations and other countries to help refugees and migrants in
need. Moreover, the Turkish government has worked to support vulnerable groups, including
refugees and migrants, through its social support programs. These programs provide cash
transfers, food assistance, and other forms of support to low-income families and individuals
affected by the pandemic, including refugees and migrants.
Altogether, the Turkish government's humanitarian and financial aid efforts have been critical in
supporting international efforts to combat the pandemic and in providing assistance to vulnerable
groups, including refugees and migrants. By providing medical supplies, equipment, financial
assistance, and social support programs, the government has taken important steps to address the
global impact of the pandemic and to support those in need.

4] To Monitor the Impact of COVID-19 on Human Rights

 Establishment of a Human Rights Commission

The Turkish government has established a human rights commission to monitor the impact of
COVID-19 on human rights in Turkey. The commission aims to ensure that measures taken to
combat the pandemic do not infringe on human rights and to address any violations that may
occur. The commission is composed of representatives from various government ministries, civil
society organizations, and human rights experts. The commission has a mandate to monitor the
implementation of COVID-19-related measures, including quarantine measures, lockdowns, and
travel restrictions. The commission also monitors the impact of these measures on vulnerable
groups, including refugees, migrants, and individuals from marginalized communities. In
addition to monitoring the impact of COVID-19-related measures on human rights, the
commission also investigates and addresses any violations that may occur. This includes
investigating cases of police brutality, harassment, and discrimination related to COVID-19.
The establishment of the human rights commission is a major step in ensuring that measures
taken to combat the pandemic do not infringe on human rights. By doing so, the commission
helps to protect the rights of all individuals, including those who are most vulnerable.

Accountability

The government’s measures to combat the pandemic in Turkey have often been criticized for
their potential to infringe on human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression,
assembly, and association. To hold the government accountable, several human rights
organizations have been monitoring the government's response to the pandemic and its impact on
human rights. These organizations have documented and reported cases of human rights
violations related to COVID-19, such as arbitrary arrests and detentions, censorship of critical
voices, and discrimination against vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants. Some
civil society organizations have also filed lawsuits against the government's pandemic measures,
particularly those related to restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. For example, in
November 2020, IHD filed a lawsuit against the government's ban on demonstrations and public
gatherings, arguing that it violated the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.
Some major organizations who held the government accountable and ensured that human rights
are protected include:
 Human Rights Association (IHD): The IHD has been monitoring the situation in prisons
during the pandemic and has been advocating for the release of vulnerable prisoners. It has
issued several reports highlighting the government's shortcomings in protecting human rights
during the crisis.
 Amnesty International: The organization has raised concerns about the use of pandemic-
related restrictions to suppress dissent and restrict access to information. They have called on
the government to ensure that journalists and media outlets can operate freely and without
fear of reprisals.
 Turkish Medical Association (TTB): The TTB has been monitoring the government's
response to the pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies and the
implementation of testing and contact tracing programs. They have also advocated for the
protection of healthcare workers on the pandemic's frontlines.
 Association for Monitoring Equal Rights (ESHİD): ESHİD has been monitoring the impact
of the pandemic on women in Turkey and advocating for measures to address gender-based
violence and ensure that women have access to healthcare and other basic needs.
These organizations have called for greater transparency and accountability from the government
and have urged it to respect human rights in its efforts to combat the pandemic. Civil society
organizations and human rights groups in Turkey played a critical role in ensuring that the
government's measures do not infringe on human rights and that vulnerable groups are not
disproportionately affected.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to governments around the world,
including Turkey. However, the Turkish government has taken several measures to protect
human rights during the pandemic, including implementing social support programs, investing in
health infrastructure, ensuring continuity of education, releasing prisoners, and providing mental
health support. Additionally, civil society and human rights organizations have played a crucial
role in monitoring and scrutinizing government's response to the pandemic and advocating for
the protection of human rights. Though, there have been some areas of concern, the Turkish
government's efforts to safeguard human rights during the pandemic have been commendable,
and it is essential to continue to monitor and advocate for the protection of human rights in the
face of the ongoing pandemic.
Based on the analysis of the Turkish government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its
impact on human rights, the following recommendations can be made:
 Strengthening the role of civil society and human rights organizations in monitoring the
government's response to the pandemic and holding the government accountable for any
violations of human rights.
 Ensuring that measures taken to combat the pandemic do not disproportionately impact
marginalized and vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants, women, and children.
 Prioritizing the protection of the right to health, including ensuring access to testing,
treatment, and vaccines for all individuals, regardless of their status.
 Ensuring that legal measures taken to address the pandemic, such as the release of prisoners
and the suspension of legal proceedings, are carried out in a transparent and non-
discriminatory manner.
 Providing adequate economic support to individuals and businesses affected by the
pandemic, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable groups.
 Increasing transparency and accountability in the allocation and distribution of government
resources aimed at combating the pandemic.
 Addressing the impact of the pandemic on mental health and providing
adequate resources and support for individuals and communities affected.
 Ensuring that measures taken to address the pandemic are in line with international human
rights standards and principles.
By implementing these recommendations, the Turkish government can continue to effectively
manage the COVID-19 pandemic while upholding human rights and protecting the well-being of
all individuals in the country.