SP Switzerland: Turkey must respect international obligations for democracy and human rights

Against the background of the severe economic crisis and the continuing political repression in Turkey, the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (SP) demands from the Federal Council a consistent commitment to peace, democracy and human rights in the country. The importance of this demand was underlined by a delegation of the SP Switzerland during a recent visit to its sister parties HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) and CHP (Republican People’s Party) in the Turkish capital Ankara.

“The Federal Council must insist on compliance with international obligations with the Turkish government,” said SP National Councillor Mustafa Atici, who was on a visit from 2 to 4 February with SP National Councillors Fabian Molina and Jon Pult. “Switzerland has a special responsibility here because of its large Turkish diaspora and its close economic and political ties with Turkey.”

The SP Switzerland expressed their support for the efforts of its two sister parties, HDP and CHP, to form a coalition of democratic forces against the authoritarian regime of President Erdogan. The party said they have been advocating for years that the two opposition parties take the path of cooperation and dialogue in order to succeed in the upcoming elections.

Restore the principles of the rule of law

At the meeting with HDP co-chair Mithat Sancar and party vice-chair Feleknas Uca in Ankara, the need for a democratic and pluralistic Turkey that creates social justice and protects and respects the rights of minorities was underlined. 

The SP delegation discussed the necessity of restoring the rule of law in Turkey with Ünal Ceviköz, CHP MP and the party’s foreign policy spokesperson. In particular, they discussed the separation of powers, freedom of expression and assembly, as well as respect for the international legal order, for example with regard to the recognition of the most recent judgements of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Finally, the SP delegation met with numerous representatives of trade unions and NGOs. Together, they discussed perspectives for democratic resistance and international solidarity in the face of arbitrary state power and political persecution.