Civil Liability for Human Rights Violations
A Handbook for Practitioners: Turkey
Civil liability for human rights violations refers to the legal accountability of individuals, organizations, or states for their actions or omissions that infringe upon fundamental human rights. Turkey, as a nation with a complex history and a diverse society, has been subject to scrutiny regarding its human rights record. The country has faced numerous allegations of human rights violations, which have included restrictions on freedom of expression, limitations on the right to peaceful assembly and association, unfair detentions, torture, and mistreatment of minority groups.
Consequently, civil liability becomes crucial in ensuring accountability and providing justice for victims. Efforts to hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable in Turkey involve both domestic and international mechanisms, such as domestic courts, international tribunals, and human rights organizations. By pursuing civil liability, Turkey can strive towards safeguarding human rights, fostering social justice, and rebuilding trust within its society.
Project
A HANDBOOK FOR PRACTITIONERS: Civil Liability for Human Rights Violations
Project Partner
Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford
Status
Completed
In 2019 – 2022, the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights led the project on civil liability for human rights violations funded by the Oak Foundation. The project involved a comparative study of the legal systems of a wide range of jurisdictions to analyse existing domestic law mechanisms or principles for imposing civil liability on public bodies, corporations, and individuals in three specified categories of human rights violation: (1) assault or unlawful arrest and detention of persons; (2) environmental harm; and (3) harmful or unfair labour conditions.
In a significant step towards promoting accountability and justice, this comprehensive handbook on civil liability for human rights violations in Turkey was published. The handbook aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for victims, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates navigating the intricate landscape of human rights violations in Turkey. The Turkey chapter, written by Minerva Business and Human Rights Association, serves as a crucial resource for understanding the legal mechanisms and avenues available for seeking justice in cases of human rights abuses. By compiling and analyzing relevant legal frameworks, case studies, and practical recommendations, the handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape surrounding human rights violations in Turkey.
The handbook on civil liability for human rights violations in Turkey and the full handbook including chapters by 19 countries is freely accessible online at the following links below.