Mr. President,

We do not agree with the High Commissioner’s assessment of the situation in Turkey which portrays an utterly inaccurate picture.

Protection and promotion of human rights have been a long standing priority for Turkey.

It is regrettable that certain approaches vis-a-vis terrorist threats and counter terrorism efforts display inconsistency and insincerity. Terrorism itself is a flagrant violation of human rights.

Turkey has been targeted by multiple terrorist groups, such as FETÖ, PKK and DAESH. On July 15 last year, Turkey endured a terrorist coup attempt organized by FETÖ. This attempt aimed to overthrow the democratically-elected Government and the constitutional order. It is Turkey’s right and responsibility to take the necessary measures for the protection of its democracy and rule of law, as well as the well-being of its people. The State of Emergency measures are in full transparency and in conformity with law and international human rights standards.

Turkey, continues uninterrupted and intense cooperation with all relevant human right bodies of regional and international organizations. We have a standing invitation to the UN Special Procedures since 2001. Within the last year, more than seven UN special mechanisms as well as Council of Europe and OSCE human rights mechanisms visited various regions of Turkey including the Southeast.

We reiterate that our invitation to the High Commissioner to visit Turkey remains valid. This visit will hopefully pave the way for a fair and impartial approach

towards the realities in Turkey.

On the upcoming referendum regarding constitutional amendments, the political debate continues in an open, transparent and inclusive way. Turkey, as in the past, will successfully go through this process.

Finally, Mr. President, it is regrettable that the efforts of Turkey to host, to protect and to promote the human rights of the World’s largest refugee community were disregarded in the presentation.

Thank you.