UN independent expert on human rights and counter-terrorism to visit Turkey

An independent expert mandated by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to examine counterterrorism will later this month visit Turkey where he will meet with both top officials and suspected terrorists.

Martin Scheinin, who is unpaid and serves in his personal capacity, will meet with government officials, parliamentarians, the National Security Council, the military, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations while in the country from 16 to 23 February.

The Special Rapporteur, as he is known, will gather first-hand information about past, current and future initiatives in the area of counterterrorism and these measures affect the protection and promotion of human rights. In addition to holding meetings with officials in Ankara, he will visit the Diyarbakir Province.

Mr. Scheinin plans to meet with individuals affected by counterterrorism measures, as well as suspects detained or charged with offences related to terrorism, according to the Geneva-based UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR).

The expert, who previously served eight years as a member of the UN Human Rights Committee, is Professor of Constitutional Law and International Law and Director of the Human Rights Institute at Abo Akademi University in Finland.