United Nations in Türkiye

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Türkiye:

Learn more

Story

22 July 2022

Black Sea grain exports deal ‘a beacon of hope’ amid Ukraine war - Guterres

An “unprecedented agreement” on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war is “a beacon of hope” in a world that desperately needs it, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the signing ceremony in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Friday. The UN plan, which also paves the way for Russian grain and fertilizer to reach global markets, will help to stabilize spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine, affecting millions. Russian and Ukrainian Ministers signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative, facing each other at opposite ends of the table, while the Secretary-General and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sat in the centre. Hope and relief “Today, there is a beacon on the Black Sea,” the UN chief said, speaking prior to the signing. “A beacon of hope – a beacon of possibility – a beacon of relief -- in a world that needs it more than ever.” Mr. Guterres thanked President Erdogan and his government for facilitating the talks that led to the deal. He commended the Russian and Ukrainian representatives for putting aside their differences in the common interests of humanity. “The question has not been what is good for one side or the other,” he said. “The focus has been on what matters most for the people of our world. And let there be no doubt – this is an agreement for the world.” Ukraine is among the world’s leading grain exporters, supplying more than 45 million tonnes annually to the global market, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Russian invasion, which began on 24 February, has sparked record food and fuel prices, as well as supply chain issues, with mountains of grain stocks stuck in silos. In addition to stabilizing global food prices, the agreement “will bring relief for developing countries on the edge of bankruptcy and the most vulnerable people on the edge of famine,” said Mr. Guterres. “Since the war started, I have been highlighting that there is no solution to the global food crisis without ensuring full global access to Ukraine’s food products and Russian food and fertilizer.” A long road The initiative specifically allows for significant volumes of commercial food exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny. The Secretary-General also announced the establishment of a Joint Coordination Centre to monitor implementation. It will be hosted in Istanbul and will include representatives from Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye. Mr. Guterres acknowledged “the long road” and weeks of around-the clock negotiations leading up to the landmark agreement. In April, the Secretary-General met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to propose a plan. The UN has been "working every day since", he said. Two UN Task Forces were established in parallel on the talks - one focused on the shipment of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, which was led by UN humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths, and the other on facilitating access of Russian food and fertilizers, headed by Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN trade and development body, UNCTAD. Beacon for peace Mr. Guterres pledged the UN’s full commitment to the agreement, and urged all sides to do the same. “This is an unprecedented agreement between two parties engaged in bloody conflict. But that conflict continues,” he said, noting that people are dying every day as the fighting rages. “The beacon of hope on the Black Sea is shining bright today, thanks to the collective efforts of so many. In these trying and turbulent times for the region and our globe, let that beacon guide the way towards easing human suffering and securing peace.” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his speech said, "We are proud of being instrumental in an initiative that will play a major role in the solution of the global food crisis that has occupied the whole world for a long time". The president added: "We will contribute to preventing the danger of hunger that awaits billions of people in the world."

He noted that by the ship traffic that will start in the coming days, "we will inaugurate a new corridor from the Black Sea to many countries in the world."

The president also said the agreement has been made on all processes from the departure of the ships to their safe passage as well as arrival at the port of destination.

"The implementation and supervision of this highly important plan will be carried out by the joint coordination center to be established in Istanbul," he added.

Story

04 August 2022

Ukraine: Black Sea grain shipment success raises hopes more will follow

The first, eagerly-awaited commercial shipment of grain to leave the Ukrainian port of Odesa since Russia’s invasion more than five months ago, was cleared to proceed to Lebanon on Wednesday, after a scheduled inspection stopover in Istanbul. In line with the UN-partnered Black Sea Grain Initiative that was facilitated by the Secretary-General on 22 July, the crew of the merchant vessel Razoni and its 26,000-tonne cargo of Ukrainian corn underwent checks lasting three hours. The Sierra Leone-flagged ship arrived in Istanbul’s waters on Tuesday evening, after sailing from Ukraine’s main Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday. “A joint civilian inspection team comprising officials from the Russian Federation, Türkiye, Ukraine and the United Nations visited the merchant vessel Razoni this morning,” the Black Sea Grain Initiative Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) said in a statement. “This marks the conclusion of an initial ‘proof of concept’ operation”, the statement continued, adding that three ports in Ukraine were due to resume the export of millions of tonnes of wheat, corn and other crops “at a time of global food insecurity”. In addition to shipping millions of tonnes of food from Ukraine, the initiative also envisages the export of fertilizer needed by the world’s farmers, “under close monitoring”, the Joint Coordination Centre statement explained. It noted that the inspectors had spoken to the Razoni’s crew and gained “valuable information” about the vessel’s journey along the maritime humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea that was agreed by the signatories of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. “The JCC will use this voyage in its ongoing work on fine-tuning procedures and processes to enable the continuation of safe passage of commercial vessels across the Black Sea under the Initiative.”

1 of 5

Story

02 August 2022

Black Sea Grain Initiative: First ship leaves Odesa

The UN chief on Monday welcomed the departure of the first ship from the Ukrainian port of Odesa, carrying grain under the landmark deal signed by Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye, overseen by the UN. The Razoni, carrying a cargo of 26,527 tonnes of corn, is the first cargo ship to leave a Ukrainian Black Sea port since 26 February, just a few days after the Russian invasion began. It is bound for the Mediterranean port of Tripoli, in Lebanon. In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that ensuring “existing grain and foodstuffs can move to global markets is a humanitarian imperative.” The deal dubbed a “beacon of hope” by Mr. Guterres when it was signed in the Turkish city of Istanbul on 22 July, is a “collective achievement” of the newly-established Joint Coordination Centre, or JCC, set up in Istanbul, under the auspices of the UN, by representatives from the three governments who inked the deal, known officially as the Black Sea Grain Initiative. In a statement the JCC said it had agreed the specific coordinates and restrictions for what it termed the Safe Humanitarian Maritime Corridor, "and has communicated those details in accordance with international navigation procedures." "The JCC has requested all its participants to inform their respective military and other relevant authorities of this decision to ensure the safe passage of the vessel." The plan also paves the way for Russian food and fertilizer to reach global markets, all of which it is hoped will help reduce soaring food prices worldwide, and avert the possibility of famine afflicting millions in the months ahead. Since the deal was signed, the parties involved “have been working tirelessly” to begin the process of shipping grain and cereals out from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. “The Secretary-General salutes their efforts, and he is grateful to Türkiye for its leadership”, the statement said, just after the vessel left port. “The Secretary-General hopes that this will be the first of many commercial ships moving in accordance with the Initiative signed, and that this will bring much-needed stability and relief to global food security especially in the most fragile humanitarian contexts.” The statement added that the UN emergency food agency, WFP, which is a major customer of Ukraine’s grain and cereals, was planning to buy, load and ship an initial 30,000 tonnes of wheat from Ukraine, on a UN-chartered vessel. Addressing correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York on the shipment, Mr. Guterres said the ship was loaded with two commodities in short supply, "corn, and hope." "People on the verge of famine need these agreements to work, in order to survive. Countries on the verge of bankruptcy need these agreements to work, in order to keep their economies alive." While the "tragic war continues to rage", said the UN chief, the UN would continue working every day, "to bring relief to the people of Ukraine, and to those suffering the effects of the conflict around the world." He said the war "must end, and peace must be established, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. "I hope today’s news can be a step towards that goal, for the people of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and for the world."

1 of 5

Story

29 July 2022

UN welcomes new centre to put Ukraine grain exports deal into motion

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the official start of the operation based in the Turkish city of Istanbul, that will help implement the UN-brokered deal to resume exports of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea, amid the ongoing conflict and rising food prices worldwide. The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), inaugurated on Wednesday, brings together senior representatives from Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the UN. The Secretary-General has underscored the importance of the parties working in partnership directly to effectively implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative, with a view to reducing global food insecurity, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement issued late that day. Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye signed the agreement in Istanbul on Friday. The JCC will enable the safe transportation, by merchant ships, of commercial foodstuffs and fertilizer from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea: Odesa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhny. “This will help to effectively respond to and prevent rising global food insecurity,” said Mr. Haq. “Together with the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the Secretariat of the United Nations on promoting the access of Russian food products and fertilizers to world markets, it will help reinstate confidence in the global food market and reduce food prices from their current levels,” he added. The JCC will monitor the movement of commercial vessels to ensure compliance with the agreement. Focus will be on export of bulk commercial grain and related food commodities only. It will also ensure the on-site control and monitoring of cargo from Ukrainian ports and report on shipments facilitated through the Initiative. The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to Türkiye, which provided the parties and the UN with a platform to help operationalize the Initiative. He also thanked Russia and Ukraine for nominating and quickly sending their senior representatives to Istanbul. The top UN aid official also welcomed the JCC’s launch. Martin Griffiths, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, noted that the centre’s swift opening was made possible through the invaluable support of Türkiye, and the commitment shown by Russia and Ukraine. “I am hopeful that their swift collective action will translate quickly and directly into much-needed relief for the most vulnerable food insecure people around the world.” The UN’s interim representative at the JCC, Frederick Kenney Jr., attended the inauguration ceremony and is leading the Organization’s efforts on the ground. “It is extremely encouraging to see the parties focusing on implementing the initiative,” he said. “Work at the centre is non-stop with the aim to see the first shipments heading out of Ukrainian ports quickly, safely and effectively.”

1 of 5

Story

26 July 2022

From Where I Stand: “We need women’s voices for a sustainable marine life and fisheries sector”

Huriye Göncüoğlu Bodur is an academic at the Ege University Faculty of Fisheries and a social entrepreneur based in Izmir, a western province of Türkiye. She is an activist and the founder of the Women in Fisheries Society, a civil society organization defending the rights of fisherwomen and working to preserve marine life. She attended the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in April 2022 held in Geneva with the support of UN Women Türkiye. The Forum helped her grasp a deeper understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sparked her enthusiasm to advocate for them. “I grew up in a house with a sea view. As a child, I loved watching and being in the sea. I always wanted to dive deeper, in like the story of The Little Black Fish by Samed Behrengi, which my mother used to read to me. We used to spend part of our summer holidays in my grandmother’s vineyard where I learned solidarity, collaboration and collective labour. With these two women in my life, I started to dream of a better world. This dream transformed into a vision of an equitable fisheries sector where men and women have the same rights. During my education, I realized that women in the fisheries sector cannot participate in decision-making and experience challenges in accessing information. In 2019, I established the Women in Fisheries Society, a civil society organization aiming to strengthen artisanal fisheries and fisherwomen. The society challenges gender roles and stereotypes in the fisheries sector in Türkiye. It also works for an ecosystem-based ‘blue economy’ for preserving and sustaining marine resources. At the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD) 2022, it was inspiring to observe representatives of governments, civil society, the private sector, academics, youth, and women together, with the aim of realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I had the opportunity to join expert meetings on SDG5 and SDG14 and to discuss key issues with scientists and civil society representatives. Their efforts on ‘marine literacy’ are already shaping my future studies and advocacy initiatives. SDG 14 emphasizes how essential our ocean, sea, and marine resources are to human well-being as well as social and economic development. Unfortunately, the public does not have enough knowledge about the importance of marine resources and their impacts on our lives, and how our daily practices affect the marine ecosystem. RFSD once again proved that there is a close relationship between marine life and the climate crisis. On the other hand, fisherwomen have the wisdom of preserving resources and protecting marine life. They are the natural protectors of the sea. There is an immense relationship between women and nature. Women take environmental problems seriously, and they foresee natural disasters. We need women’s experiences, voices and perspectives for an ecosystem-based and sustainable marine life. A fair and prosperous fishing society will be possible only if we ensure the participation of the most vulnerable groups such as small-scale family fisheries in the ‘blue economy’, and implement policies to empower women in this sector. Huriye Göncüoğlu Bodur attended the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva on 6–7 April 2022. Her participation in the forum was supported by UN Women Türkiye through the Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality project funded by the European Union. Bodur’s work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Her work also relates to SDG 5 on achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.

1 of 5

Story

21 July 2022

Amid challenges hope emerges in Central Asia

It’s your road, and yours alone, others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. Rumi I recently returned from an official visit to five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – where I saw first-hand concrete actions after 30 years of independence to meet the manifold challenges facing a region full of profound complexities and great potential. An international conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan focused on water for sustainable development formed a cornerstone of my visit. Water is a catalyst for peace and cooperation within the Central Asia region, and across borders with Afghanistan. The countries of Central Asia are harnessing water for green energy, climate-smart agriculture and improved access to drinking water. I witnessed their determination to advance the climate agenda with a strong commitment to multilateral solutions to enhance water resource management. The Aral Sea was once the fourth-largest lake in the world. Misplaced agricultural irrigation projects decades ago, coupled with rising temperatures, shrank the sea to just 10% of its original surface by the end of the 1990s. The Aral Sea climate catastrophe stretches far beyond national or regional lines. It is a global tragedy. The UN General Assembly declared the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovation and technologies, framing the region’s aspirations to invest in climate mitigation and adaptation as potential solutions for the world. Regional climate action is critical. Global warming is accelerating the melting of Central Asia’s glaciers, which play a vital role in the region’s water and ecosystem balance. The glaciers in Central Asia have receded by 25 percent in the last fifty years – with an equal amount expected to disappear in the next two decades. This is yet another reason for global action to urgently reduce emissions and meet the Paris Climate Agreement’s goals of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. The Kyrgyz Republic has declared 2022 the Year of Protection of Mountain Ecosystems and Climate Resilience. I heard a clear commitment from the leaders of all five countries to do their part. The lack of financing is a serious obstacle to “greening” the region’s economies and conserving and restoring natural wealth, but ambition is notable. A greener economy combined with digitalization, will not only modernize the economies but also create new job opportunities in sectors that match global needs. It is also essential to rethink the region’s economic development pathway to make the most of the region’s demographic change. Central Asia is home to 76.5 million people, and that population is young – the median age is 27.6 years. I visited the Central Asia University which provides the youth of the region opportunities not only to learn and grow intellectually, but also to establish the friendships and networks that will help advance regional growth and peace in the future. The youth I met throughout Central Asia shared with me their determination to shape their economies in productive ways – with emigration no longer having to be a default choice for many – and to have a seat at the table with their voices heard. I heard a similar message from women of all ages. They made a clear call for faster and far greater progress towards more equal and inclusive societies that ensure women’s economic empowerment, women’s rights and leadership. The global silent pandemic of gender-based violence, also presents a challenge which Central Asia must overcome including discriminatory practices, outdated societal norms, patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes in an effort to achieve full gender equality. This is essential to realize the contribution of Central Asia’s women to the region’s societal and economic transformation. In particular, digitalization offers an important pathway for connectivity, transforming education, improved governance and expansion of economic opportunity and inclusion. With greater efforts for openness and reform, there is unlimited potential for Central Asian economies. As with societies everywhere, an essential ingredient for social and economic transformation is strengthening human rights. While I see the glass as “some full,” the United Nations is keen to work together and support the countries of Central Asia fill the rest. Human rights must be at the centre and in the outcomes of all investments in the people of the region. As we accompany the people of the region on this journey, the United Nations will continue to represent and amplify the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable and offer solutions to achieve equality, justice and inclusion, cornerstones for sustainable development and sustaining peace in the region. In a region where borders are new, consensus is urgently needed to overcome tensions around disputed lines, paving the way for sustainable peace and regional economic and social growth. Taking action to prevent the spread of violent extremism and mitigate the impacts for people and economies of the war in Ukraine will require meticulous attention and upholding the rule of law, including international human rights law. Despite the many challenges, I left Central Asia full of hope. Change is happening. Challenges are being grasped. It is led by the vibrant young majority of the population who aspire to protect and nurture the beauty of the region’s natural environment and usher in social and economic changes. All of this can help assure an inclusive and sustainable future for all the people of Central Asia.

1 of 5

View all

Press Release

05 August 2022

Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) has authorized the departure of three vessels from Ukraine

4 August 2022, ISTANBUL - The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) has authorized the departure of three vessels from Ukraine, two from Chornomorsk and one from Odesa, carrying a total of 58,041 tons of corn through the maritime humanitarian corridor under the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The vessels authorized to move tomorrow, 5 August, are: 1) M/V Polarnet, anchored in Chornomorsk port, with a cargo of 12,000 MT of corn destined to Karasu, Türkiye
2) M/V Navistar, anchored in Odesa port, with a cargo of 33,000 MT of corn with destination Ringaskiddy, Ireland
3) M/V Rojen, anchored in Chornomorsk port, with a cargo of 13,041 MT corn destined to Teesport, UK The JCC has also authorized the movement, pending inspection, of M/V Fulmar S, inbound for Chornomorsk. Fulmar S is currently at anchorage at the inspection area near north west of Istanbul. The three outbound vessels are estimated to depart in the morning from their respective ports. Timings may be affected based on readiness, weather conditions or other unexpected circumstances. Inspection is expected to take place after arrival at the anchorage area in Turkish territorial waters.

The inbound vessel is anticipated to move from her anchorage at 0900hrs after the inspection by the JCC’s inspection team. Drawing from lessons learnt during the first movement of M/V Razoni, the JCC has authorized this movement as a second ‘proof of concept’, testing multi-ship operations in the corridor including an inbound ship. In addition, the corridor has been revised to allow for more efficient passage of ships while maintaining safety. The JCC further acknowledges the need for the commercial vessels stranded in the Ukrainian ports since February to depart to their pre-defined destinations. Their movement will free up valuable pier space for more inbound ships to come in and carry food to global markets in line with the Initiative. As per procedures agreed at the JCC, all participants coordinate with their respective military and other relevant authorities to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels. The JCC will monitor closely the safe passage of the vessels through the humanitarian maritime corridor. Note to editors: The Joint Coordination Centre was established under the Black Sea Grain Initiative in Istanbul on 27 July 2022. It comprises senior representatives from Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine and United Nations and its role is to enable the safe transportation, by merchant ships, of grain and other foodstuffs and fertilizers from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea to the rest of the world.

1 of 5

Press Release

03 August 2022

Inspection of first commercial vessel under the Black Sea Grain Initiative completed

3 August 2022, ISTANBUL – The first shipment of over 26,000 tons of Ukrainian food under a Black Sea export deal was cleared to proceed today, towards its final destination in Lebanon. A joint civilian inspection team comprising officials from the Russian Federation, Türkiye, Ukraine and the United Nations visited the merchant vessel Razoni this morning. Checks on cargo and crew were conducted on behalf of the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), set up in Istanbul under the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed on 22 July. This marks the conclusion of an initial “proof of concept” operation to execute the agreement. Three ports in Ukraine are due to resume the export of millions of tons of wheat, corn and other crops at a time of global food insecurity. The Razoni arrived at anchorage in Istanbul yesterday evening after sailing from Odesa port on 1 August, as the first commercial vessel carrying grain under the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The Initiative facilitates the export of food and fertilizer from Ukraine under close monitoring. The team carried out a three hour inspection and confirmed that crew and cargo are as authorised and consistent with the information the JCC received before the vessel sailed from Odesa. The joint inspection team had the opportunity to discuss with the crew and gain valuable information on the vessel's journey along the maritime humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea that was agreed by the JCC. The JCC will use this voyage in its ongoing work on fine tuning procedures and processes to enable the continuation of safe passage of commercial vessels across the Black Sea under the Initiative. For further information: Ismini Palla (Ms), media@jcc-secretariat.org, + 962 7 7099 6330 You can find photos here:
https://ocha.smugmug.com/Countries/TUR/JCC-Rozani-Inspection/i-zBFvW92

1 of 5

Press Release

01 August 2022

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General - on the first commercial vessel sailing as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General - on the first commercial vessel sailing as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the departure of the M/V Razoni, the first commercial ship leaving Ukraine’s port of Odesa since 26 February 2022. The ship is bound for the port of Tripoli, Lebanon, carrying a cargo of 26,527 tonnes of corn, and is the first vessel to depart under the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed in Istanbul, on 22 July. Ensuring that existing grain and foodstuffs can move to global markets is a humanitarian imperative. The first departure is a collective achievement of the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) set up in Istanbul under the auspices of the United Nations, and comprised of representatives of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, and Türkiye. Since then, the Parties with the assistance of the United Nations have been working tirelessly to implement the agreements reached in that Initiative. The Secretary-General salutes their efforts and he is grateful to Türkiye for its leadership. The Secretary-General is pleased that, thanks to the tireless efforts, general oversight, and coordination of the JCC, the ship departed safely from the port of Odessa. The Secretary-General hopes that this will be the first of many commercial ships moving in accordance with the Initiative signed, and that this will bring much-needed stability and relief to global food security especially in the most fragile humanitarian contexts. In line with the humanitarian spirit of the initiative, the World Food Programme (WFP) is also planning to purchase, load and ship an initial 30,000 metric tons of wheat out of Ukraine on a UN-chartered vessel. WFP will have more details in the coming days. New York, 1 August 2022 Stephane Dujarric Spokesman for the Secretary-General

1 of 5

Press Release

28 July 2022

Joint Coordination Centre opens in Istanbul to facilitate safe export of commercial foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukrainian ports

(Istanbul, 27 July 2022): The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) was officially inaugurated today in Istanbul, comprising representatives of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Türkiye and the United Nations. The JCC will facilitate the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to establish a humanitarian maritime corridor to allow ships to export grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine. Welcoming the launch of the JCC, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, said: “The swift opening of the Joint Coordination Centre was made possible with the invaluable support from Türkiye in providing the parties with a physical platform to help operationalize the Black Sea Grain initiative, and with the commitment by the Russian Federation and Ukraine in nominating and sending quickly their senior representatives to work together, directly and in partnership, in implementing the agreement.” He added: “I am hopeful that their swift collective action will translate quickly and directly into much-needed relief for the most vulnerable food insecure people around the world.” Frederick J. Kenney, Jr. is leading the UN’s efforts on the ground in facilitating the parties’ efforts to operationalize the agreement. Mr. Kenney was present at the ceremony as the UN interim representative to the JCC. “It is extremely encouraging to see the parties focusing on implementing the initiative,” he said. “Work at the centre is non-stop with the aim to see the first shipments heading out of Ukrainian ports quickly, safely and effectively.” The JCC will enable the safe transportation, by merchant ships, of commercial foodstuffs and fertilizer from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea: Odesa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhny. The centre will monitor the movement of commercial vessels to ensure compliance with the initiative; focus on exporting bulk commercial grain and related food commodities only; ensure the on-site control and monitoring of cargo from Ukrainian ports; and report on shipments facilitated through the initiative. For more information contact: In Istanbul: Ismini Palla, Mobile: +962 7709 96330 [WhatsApp/Signal]; palla@un.org In Geneva: Vanessa Huguenin, Mobile: + 41 (0) 79 202 6844; huguenin@un.org In New York: Anna Jefferys, Mobile: +1 917 769 7454 ; jefferysa@un.org

1 of 5

Press Release

27 July 2022

Press Release on Türkiye visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls

GENEVA / ANKARA (27 July 2022) – Despite significant progress that Türkiye has made over the last 15 years in advancing women’s rights, the country is now at a crossroads, and risks backtracking on its human rights obligations to protect women and girls from violence, a UN expert has concluded after her country visit. In a statement at the end of her visit, Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls acknowledged the particularly challenging context within which the government of Türkiye and other stakeholders tackle the issue of violence against women and girls. The issue was compounded by the country’s economic situation and the implications of generously hosting close to 4 million refugees – mostly Syrians under temporary protection, the expert said. However, she said Türkiye had made considerable progress in working towards sustainable development, taking fundamental steps towards eradicating poverty and increasing support for marginalised and disadvantaged sections of society, including women and girls. Alsalem acknowledged the solid legal framework for the prevention of violence against women and girls through the Law to Protect Family and Prevent Violence against Women (Law 6284), together with Türkiye’s four national action plans and specialised initiatives, including the emergency support mobile phone app: KADES. “Türkiye has made important legal and policy reforms to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, but these fall short of its full capacity, potential and responsibilities to protect women and girls living on Turkish soil and do not correspond to the gravity of the situation,” Alsalem said. The UN expert said much of the progress that Türkiye had made towards advancing gender equality and ending violence against women and girls, would not have been possible without the international human rights framework, most notably the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) “Almost all stakeholders I have met in Türkiye unequivocally recognise the bearing the Istanbul Convention has had on combating violence against women and girls, and how intrinsically linked it is to Türkiye’s identity, aspirations, and its destined role and standing regionally and beyond,” the Special Rapporteur said. “I am therefore calling on the Government of Türkiye to reconsider its decision to pull out of the Istanbul Convention and continue to uphold its other international human rights obligations,” she said. The Special Rapporteur said implementation of domestic legislation had been weakened by Türkiye’s withdrawal from the Convention, including preventive measures and services currently in place for survivors of gender-based violence. The withdrawal had also emboldened perpetrators, and left victims at increased risk of violence, she warned. According to the last government survey conducted in 2014, around 1 in 4 women have suffered physical or sexual abuse by their partners. Combined data provided by the government, independent media and civil society groups point to hundreds of femicides every year. Yet a lack of confidence in available protection and assistance mechanisms; widespread impunity for violence and gender-related bias and discrimination had resulted in serious underreporting. The UN expert said the effectiveness of Türkiye’s initiatives to combat violence against women and girls and assist and protect victims was hampered by the lack of reliable disaggregated data, inadequate shelters and access to them, lack of effective protection orders, language barriers, and lack of accountability. While the consequences of these gaps and challenges affect women and girls in Türkiye in general, specific groups of women and girls are at particular risk, including those that are: refugees; migrants, beneficiaries of temporary protection status, human rights defenders, women active in politics- including those of Turkish-Kurdish descent- LBTI; women in detention; and women with disabilities – amongst others. “No society can truly prosper unless its woman and girls enjoy equality and freedom from violence. All stakeholders I met agreed that violence against women and girls has no place in Turkish society. Türkiye must therefore translate this belief into practice, by tackling impunity and prioritising the issue of violence against women and girls at the highest levels,” Alsalem said. She urged Turkish authorities to dedicate further resources to tacking violence against women and girls, address harmful social and cultural norms, and strengthen its national machinery “ she said. The government should expand the outreach to, and participation of civil society organisations, particularly womem’s human rights organisations that place the interests of women at the center of the efforts, she said. “In many ways, Türkiye is at an important junction in its history. It can either consciously and deliberately choose to protect the gains made in advancing the rights of women and girls, or risk backtracking on this important progress and leaving its women and girls behind,” Alsalem said. During her 10-day visit, the Special Rapporteur met with relevant Ministers, government affiliated institutions, provincial authorities as well as representatives from international organisations, civil society organisations, trade unions, bar associations and Turkish and women and girl victims of violence who are foreign nationals. She will present a full report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in June 2023. ENDS Ms. Reem Alsalem (Jordan) was appointed as Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences by the UN Human Rights Council in July 2021, to recommend measures, ways and means, at the national, regional and international levels, to eliminate violence against women and its causes, and to remedy its consequences. She is an independent consultant on gender issues, the rights of refugees and migrants, transitional justice and humanitarian response. She holds a Masters in International Relations from the American University in Cairo, Egypt (2001) and a Masters in Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (2003). The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. For inquiries and media requests, please contact: Orlagh McCann (+41 079 444 4552/ orlagh.mccann@un.org) or Tuba Coşkun (+90 312 454 10 52/unic.ankara@unic.org) For media enquiries regarding other UN independent experts, please contact Todd Pitman (todd.pitman@un.org) or Dharisha Indraguptha (+41 79 506 1088 / dharisha.indraguptha@un.org) Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts. Concerned about the world we live in?
Then STAND UP for someone's rights today.
#Standup4humanrights
and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org

1 of 5

View all