Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant

Addendum

Comments by the Government of Turkey on the concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/TUR/CO/1) *

[7June 2011]

Turkey welcomes the concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and takes note of the positive aspects as well as the concerns and recommendations provided therein within the consideration of its initial periodic report. It should be noted that Turkey wishes to maintain its full cooperation with the Committee and take its comments and recommendations into consideration with a genuine commitment to ensure the realization of economic, social and cultural rights.

However, Turkey regrets that the thorough information it has provided to the Committee has not been taken into consideration, in particular in drafting paragraph 10 of the concluding observations on minorities.

While reiterating its engagement to respect diversity for the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by all, Turkey cannot accept the recommendation made concerning the naming of new minorities as it is contrary to the Treaty of Lausanne of 24 July 1923.

Turkey notes that the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights does not have any provisions on minorities.

Furthermore, Turkey respectfully reminds the Committee that it has made the following reservation to the Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The Republic of Turkey reserves the right to interpret and apply the provisions of Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in accordance with the related provisions and rules of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey and the Treaty of Lausanne of 24 July 1923 and its Appendixes.