Human Rights Groups Urge Türkiye to Protect Activists at COP31
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch demand that Türkiye end human rights crackdowns and protect civil society ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya.
Human rights organizations are calling on the Government of Türkiye to end its crackdown on civic space and protect environmental defenders before the COP31 climate summit begins in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch warn that Türkiye's history of suppressing free speech and targeting LGBTI+ organizations could chill the participation of activists and journalists during the event.
Amnesty International specifically highlighted restrictive language in the hosting agreement between Türkiye and the United Nations regarding internal affairs and immunity waivers. The organization urged the United Nations and attending governments to guarantee that participants can organize and protest without fear of reprisal. It also called for a transition away from fossil fuels that complies with human rights and prevents corporate capture by lobbyists.
Human Rights Watch criticized the shared presidency of the summit, held by Türkiye and Australia, for failing to advocate for a transition away from fossil fuels while both nations continue to expand coal projects. The organization is urging multilateral development banks and international climate funds to increase adaptation funding and provide direct access to Indigenous and frontline communities displaced by the climate crisis.
