Joint Statement: Bill For the Prevention of the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Violates the Constitution and the Freedom of Association
The 43-article “Bill for the Prevention of the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction”, deliberated at the Justice Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey [GNAT]; referred to the GNAT Plenary; and foreseeing amendments to 6 laws, is in violation of notably the constitution, the international human rights conventions to which we adhere as well as the vested rights acquired thereof.
In spite of the fact that it has nothing to do with its aim and title, the bill severely restricts the aid collection activities of the existing associations and foundations as well as the freedom of association through amendments introduced in the laws on Aid Collection and on Associations, and it comprises new provisions, which would establish Interior Ministry’s political tutelage over associations.
Should the bill be adopted into a law as it stands, associations and foundations working in the field of women’s rights, refugee rights, children’s rights, and LGBTI+ rights, and notably human rights associations; various associations of law, associations pursuing social advocacy as well as those using funding resources for social relief, denizens’ associations, sports clubs, associations and foundations of different faith groups, will all face the risk of being closed down pursuant to a single signature, and an “expedited closure” procedure will have been created in practice since the administrative lawsuits to be filed thereof will last for years.
As the civil society organizations with their signatures hereunder, we demand that the articles in the bill, which relate to associations, foundations and aid collection, be withdrawn due to the reasons we have comprehensively explained enclosed, and that such bills be not drawn up without receiving the views of social partners.
Human Rights Association (İHD)
Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV)
Human Rights Agenda Association (İHGD)
Rights Initiative Association (HİD)
Citizens Assembly (YD)
Association for Monitoring Equal Rights (ESHİD)
Amnesty International Turkey
