Human Rights (Turkey) (Hansard, 7 February 1989)

§ Mr. Fearn
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Turkish authorities regarding continuing reports of systematic and widespread use of torture in places of detention;
(2) if he will make representations to the Turkish Government urging them (a) to repeal those laws which criminalise the non-violent expression of opinion, (b) to abolish the use of military courts when trying civilians, (c) to conform to international standards of justice in the proceedings of civil courts and (d) to abolish the use of the death penalty; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mrs. Chalker
My right hon. and learned Friend raised the continuing allegations of breaches of human rights when the Turkish ambassador paid an introductory call on him on 1 February. I also did so during his call on me on 2 February. He assured us that his Government were aware that there were areas where further improvement was necessary and were acting to eliminate shortcomings. We welcome that assurance.

§ Mr. Fearn
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Turkish authorities regarding the case of Ibraham Acan.

§ Mrs. Chalker
We are aware of the circumstances of Mr. Acan's case. We urge the Turkish Government to ensure that they respect and abide by the terms and conditions of the human rights agreements to which they are signatories.

§ Mr. Fearn
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Turkish authorities on breaches of the European convention for the prevention of torture and request them to make known the steps being taken to end the use of practices condemned therein.

§ Mrs. Chalker
My right hon. and learned Friend and I have both recently made the Turkish ambassador aware of our concern about allegations of breaches of human rights in Turkey. Through him we have reminded the Turkish Government of the need to abide by the international conventions to which they are signatories.