As the Youth Organizations Forum (GoFor), we have submitted a report to the United Nations (UN) regarding the access of young people in Türkiye to civil and political rights. The report examines the current situation from a youth perspective, highlighting the challenges they face in accessing their rights.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee will review Türkiye’s report on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) during its 142nd session, which will be held in October and November. Before this session, GoFor contributed to the process with a report focusing on the challenges young people face in accessing civil and political rights.
While international agreements typically consider youth as part of the population over 18, young people experience unique social, economic, and political transitions, which result in different needs and demands compared to other age groups. This report aims to offer a youth perspective on the challenges faced by young people in Türkiye and contributes to the UN’s evaluation by presenting a broader view of youth rights based on Türkiye’s specific experiences.
Key findings of the report are as follows:
- Young people, particularly due to their age, gender, and ethnicity, face discrimination.
- Legal regulations, such as Article 58 of the Turkish Constitution, limit the individual autonomy of young people, while social and economic structures also hinder their full participation in society.
- Young people are often faced with low-wage, insecure jobs, and the youth unemployment rate is three times higher than that of adults.
- Prejudices and stereotypes about youth lead to social exclusion. Particularly young women and LGBT+ individuals encounter intersecting forms of discrimination.
- Although young people in Türkiye have the legal right to participate equally in political processes, their political representation is significantly low.
- Young people face legal barriers when trying to express themselves on social media and in public spaces.
