The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and UK-based civil society organization Small Media have jointly submitted a report to the United Nations for the upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR), focusing on the state of digital rights and freedom of expression in Turkey. The report highlights how recent legislation has significantly undermined these rights over the past four years, with particular reference to the 2020 social media law and the 2022 disinformation law.
The report draws on findings from MLSA’s FreeWeb internet censorship monitoring program, as well as its work tracking cases related to the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and freedom of expression trials in Turkey. The submission also includes specific recommendations for improving the situation in Turkey.
The report will be reviewed during the UPR session scheduled for May in Geneva. The UPR is a mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council in which the human rights records of all member states are reviewed every 4.5 years. During this process, countries submit reports on the steps they have taken to improve human rights and overcome challenges. Other UN member states and civil society organizations then provide recommendations, and progress on these issues is assessed by the UN.
