Stop the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Türkiye!

The extensive crackdown on LGBTQ+ organisations and human rights defenders in Türkiye is deeply alarming and unacceptable. Activists have been detained, the offices of organisations have been searched, and websites and social media accounts have been blocked. At the same time, organisations and their representatives are facing legal proceedings that risk further restricting their ability to operate.

This is not only an attack on the rights of LGBTQ+ people. When people are persecuted for organising and defending human rights, freedom of association, freedom of expression and the space for a free and democratic civil society are also under threat.

The Swedish Government and the EU Commission must respond clearly and stand up for those affected. Sweden and the EU should raise these developments directly with the Turkish Government and push for action within other international forums. Human rights defenders who have been detained for their legitimate work must be released, and the right of LGBTQ+ organisations to organise, speak out and operate freely must be defended.

We stand in solidarity with our former Turkish partner organisation KAOS GL, as well as with the Turkish member organisations of our partner ERA. ERA – the LGBTI Equal Rights Association for the Western Balkans and Türkiye – is a regional network that brings together and strengthens LGBTQ+ organisations in Türkiye and the Western Balkans, and works to advance human rights, equality and inclusion.

The sharp escalation in repression against the LGBTQ+ movement in recent days must not be met with silence – nor with reduced international support. As the space for civil society shrinks, solidarity and support for those who continue to defend democratic rights and freedoms are more important than ever.

Oscar Ernerot
Secretary General, Olof Palme International Center

Diana Ghafour
Chair, HBTQ+S