WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1724/97 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Commission. Action by the Turkish authorities in blocking European Union funds intended for the Turkish Human Rights Association
Date: 1997-05-11
Institutions: ALAVANOS, European Parliament
Subjects: EU aid, Türkiye, aid recipient, financial aid, human rights, non-governmental organisation













EUR-Lex - 91997E1724 - EN






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91997E1724

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1724/97 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Commission. Action by the Turkish authorities in blocking European Union funds intended for the Turkish Human Rights Association  


Official Journal C 391 , 23/12/1997 P. 0125 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-1724/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (11 May 1997)Subject: Action by the Turkish authorities in blocking European Union funds intended for the Turkish Human Rights AssociationDespite repeated admonitions by the European Union concerning respect for human rights in Turkey, the Ministry of the Interior has sent a circular to Turkish banks calling on them to freeze all financial aid for Turkish human rights organizations.The Agricultural Bank of Turkey has accordingly withheld from the Turkish Human Rights Association (IHD) Commission appropriations earmarked for the teaching of human rights to young people, pursuant to Article 60 of the Act concerning unions and associations to the effect that organizations wishing to receive assistance from natural or legal persons or other organizations are required to obtain prior authorization from the Ministry of the Interior. The Human Rights Association has requested clarification from the Agricultural Bank and the release of the frozen funds but received no reply and therefore intends to institute legal proceedings, fearing that this action by the Turkish authorities may discourage the European Union from providing it with financial aid in future.1. What pressure will the Commission bring to bear on the Turkish authorities to ensure that they cease freezing aid intended for human rights organizations in Turkey, a country which enjoys a special relationship with the European Union (Customs Union)? Will it ensure that the matter is raised at the forthcoming meeting of the Association Council?2. Can it give assurances that it will continue to provide direct aid in future to national human rights associations in Turkey?3. What pressures will it bring to bear with a view to the abolition of Article 60 of the Turkish Act referred to above and all other articles used to undermine respect for human rights in Turkey?Reply given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern about respect for human rights in Turkey.The Commission is aware of the blocking of funds referred to by the Honourable Member and has accordingly instructed its Representation in Ankara to undertake a démarche to the Turkish authorities.The Commission will inform the Turkish Foreign Minister of its opinion of Article 60 of the Law on Associations namely, that it is unacceptable because it runs counter to human rights and the right of association.The Commission assures the Honourable Member that it is determined to continue to support non-governmental organizations working to defend and promote human rights in Turkey.