UN Special Rapporteurs raise concerns about new counterterrorism law in Turkey

The Special Rapporteurs with a letter to the government of Turkey expressed concern about the recent Law No. 7262 on Preventing Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. They recommend the government reconsiders certain aspects of the legislation to ensure compliance with obligations under human rights treaties. 

They note the risk that Turkey misinterprets the FATF’s assessment and uses it to inflict limitations to civil society and human rights defenders under the pretext of countering terror-financing. 

More specifically, they alert about the following: 

• Lack of consultation with civil society during expedited adoption;
• Provisions exceed the scope of the law and target civil society;
• Powers granted to the Executive and infringements of individuals’ rights.

Moreover, they state that the law might pose limitations to freedom of association and has a negative impact on fundraising. It results in a broad restriction of civic space and “sends a message to CSOs and human rights defenders that they are at risk if they continue their activities.” 

The experts ask for further information about the implementation of law, judicial oversight and human rights guarantees. 

Read the complete letter here.

Background:

The law on Preventing Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction entered into force on December 31st, 2020. The law mandates changes in 6 separate laws, including the Law on Collection of Aid and Law on Associations. The government has used FATF Recommendations as one of the arguments for the adoption of the law. As we reported earlier, the law will substantially increase control over aid collection and likely restrict or prevent civil society from raising funds over the internet or offline.

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Read here for an analysis by TUSEV, supported by ECNL, on the implications of the FATF Recommendations on Turkish civil society.