The UN Youth of Finland condemns human rights violations in Turkey and calls on the international community to support Turkish youth in their fight for democracy
06.05.2025
As UN Youth of Finland, we condemn violations of human rights and international law regarding the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the ban on protests, and violence towards peaceful protesters during demonstrations in Türkiye. Arbitrary detention and limitations on freedom of speech and assembly are against international law. We are especially concerned about the civil rights of Turkish youth and the blatant violations of international law.
What is happening in Türkiye?
The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on March 19, started widespread protests across Türkiye. İmamoğlu has been seen as the strongest challenger to Türkiye’s authoritarian president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the upcoming presidential elections in 2028. The reason for İmamoğlus arrest includes connections to terrorist groups and allegations of corruption. However, Türkiye’s opposition and international professionals considered the charges made-up and politically motivated. Following İmamoğlu’s arrest, widespread protests broke out across the country, with reports indicating that participation exceeded two million people during the largest demonstrations. (Kuronen, 2025). The arrest of İmamoğlu has been seen as the final straw for many citizens facing injustice and the ongoing erosion of democracy in Turkey. These protests are not only about the mayor’s arrest, but part of a broader movement against government and systemic human rights violations. (Liuhto, 2025).
Young people in Türkiye are taking to the streets to defend democracy
In his speech at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe, Turkish Youth Delegate Enes Hocaoğulları expressed the frustration of young people in Türkiye: “The youth has had enough. We have had enough and we are ready to go on the streets to regain our freedoms.”
Students make up the majority of the demonstrators. In Turkey, the decline of democracy, rising inflation, and economic challenges create a challenging future for young people. Turkish youth and university students are leading the protests, as they see opposing Erdoğan’s government and fighting for democracy as the only option for their future in the country. (Liuhto, 2025).
Human rights violations during the protests are against international law.
“I was there (at the protests) from day one when the police forces used disproportionate brutality towards us including pepper spray, plastic bullets and water cannons. I was there when my peers were detained and went through strip search”, stated Enes Hocaoğulları in his speech.
The Turkish government has banned protests, and the police has used violence against peaceful demonstrators. Protesters have been beaten, and those who have fallen to the ground have been kicked by the police. Additionally the police has used tear gas, pepper spray, water cannons, and rubber bullets, in violation of international law. As a result, many protesters have suffered serious injuries. (Amnesty International, 2025). The UN Youth of Finland demands, in accordance with the UN statement, that: “We urge the authorities to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are guaranteed, in line with international law.” (OHCHR, 2025).
During the peaceful protests, more than 2,000 people have been arrested, with students making up a large portion of those detained. There are reports of physical and sexual violence occurring during the arrest and interrogation process. (Badendieck, 2025). Violence by authorities during the arrest was reported by the lawyer of a student protester: “I did not resist public property or law enforcement officers in any way. However I was subjected to excessive force during my arrest. I was dragged on the ground after being pulled by my hair. While being taken to have handcuffs put on, he said ‘I won’t beat you, okay’ And took me behind the ambulance. An officer touched my chest saying ‘Do you have breasts?’ At that moment, I urinated on myself out of fear.” (Erdoğdu, 2025).
The international community cannot remain silent in the face of human rights violations and must support democracy in Turkey
The UN Youth of Finland are particularly concerned about the arrests of peaceful demonstrators and the violence directed at them by the police. We demand that: “All those detained for the legitimate exercise of their rights must be released immediately and unconditionally. Those facing charges should be treated with dignity, and their rights to due process and fair trial.” (OHCHR, 2025).
“All you need to do is to take that message and forward it to those decision makers who are not listening to us”, stated Enes Hocaoğulları in his speech. Therefore we urge the international community to support democracy and to acknowledge the human rights violations faced by young people in Türkiye. Furthermore, we hope that the Finnish government will clearly condemn the actions of the Turkish authorities and actively work through the EU and the UN to defend democracy and human rights in Türkiye.
Sources:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/03/turkiye-concern-widespread-detentions
https://x.com/aykuterdogdu/status/1905286248119357463?s=46
https://vodmanager.coe.int/coe/webcast/coe/2025-03-27-1/en/29