UN Rights Chief Condemns Turkey’s Tougher Prison Terms for Juvenile Offenders

GENEVA — UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has condemned recent changes to Turkey’s child protection laws that could expose juvenile offenders to significantly longer prison sentences.

Turkey’s parliament passed amendments to the Child Protection Law last week requiring children accused of crimes to initially be held in closed juvenile institutions. Their transfer to education-focused institutions would then be subject to an assessment, according to the UN human rights office.

The changes mark a departure from the previous system, under which children could be placed directly in rehabilitative and education-based institutions.

Türk said he was alarmed by the amendments and urged Turkey to ensure that its legislation complies fully with international human rights standards, particularly those protecting children.

“While some of the proposals may be positive such as those that aim to ensure better coordination between child protection and education services and to prevent children from accessing firearms others raise serious human rights concerns,” Türk said.

“It is essential that the law is amended to ensure that all of its provisions are fully aligned with Turkey’s international human rights law obligations, including on children’s rights.”

Longer sentences for children

The new measures increase the potential length of prison sentences for offenders aged 12 to 18.

Under the amendments, young people aged between 15 and 18 convicted of offences carrying aggravated life imprisonment, including intentional killing, could face prison terms ranging from 19 to 27 years.

For offences normally punishable by life imprisonment, the applicable sentence for those in the same age group would range from 15 to 18 years.

The UN rights office warned that such lengthy periods of detention could have serious implications for children's development, rehabilitation and prospects for reintegration into society.

Türk's office stressed that juvenile justice systems should balance accountability with rehabilitation and the reintegration of children into their communities.

UN urges compliance with children's rights

Under international human rights law, the imprisonment of children should be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period, according to the UN human rights office.

The office warned that imposing life sentences or lengthy periods of detention on children is inconsistent with protections established under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The UN has urged Turkey to review the amendments and bring the legislation into line with its international obligations, while ensuring that juvenile justice policies prioritise rehabilitation and the best interests of the child.

The changes come as Turkey continues to reform aspects of its criminal justice and child protection systems, with the latest amendments drawing renewed international scrutiny over the treatment of children accused of serious offences.