Minority Takes Religious Rights Fight to UN as Human Rights Defenders Face Rising Risk

Minority Takes Religious Rights Fight to UN as Human Rights Defenders Face Rising Risk

Western Thrace's Turkish minority is challenging state control over its religious leadership at the United Nations, even as a new UN report warns that people who cooperate with the world body on human rights face intimidation and reprisals.

· 1 min read ·
human rightsmiddle easteurope

Western Thrace Turkish minority representatives have taken their religious rights concerns to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council [243374]. The Federation representing the minority says the state's appointment of muftis — Islamic religious leaders — and its control over religious institutions undermine the minority's religious autonomy [243374].

The case lands at the UN as activists, lawyers and others who work with the organization on human rights face intimidation and reprisals, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Secretary-General [242881]. The report calls for stronger protection for these individuals and for those responsible to be held accountable [242881].

Together, the two developments highlight a widening gap between the rights the UN is meant to guarantee and the risks faced by those who bring violations to its attention.

Sources

Minority takes religious rights fight to UN #243374UN report: Cooperating on human rights puts people at risk #242881

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