GENEVA
Turkey has had its second review of its human rights record, conducted by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arinc and his delegation attended the review on Tuesday in order to present Turkey's human rights policy and practices.
Arinc said in his opening speech that the evaluations and recommendations that would be made during the session would render an enhanced contribution to the protection and promotion of human rights in Turkey.
He said: "Over the last 12 years, comprehensive reforms on human rights have continuously been realized with an understanding which puts the individual at its center."
"No matter how great the progress we have made, we resolutely continue our efforts for achieving better."
Arinc also said that Turkey had taken strong steps towards protecting and promoting human rights over the past years by accelerating its reforms, and displaying a stance which upholds democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights as the basis for building its future.
Criticisms and recommendations
Several countries expressed concern over the rights of minorities including the Alevi community and the Kurds, while the U.S. criticized Turkey for "the rise of anti-Semitism".
In response to U.S. criticism, Arinc said that anti-semitism was "alien" to Turkey.
He added: "Throughout history Turkish homeland provided a safe haven to Jewish people who fled various persecutions."
"Any isolated anti-Semitic statements are condemned at the highest level and the necessary judicial or administrative steps are taken."
Turkey was advised to combat discrimination against non-Muslim minorities.
Some countries on the review panel expressed concern over freedom of expression, media and freedom of assembly and detained journalists, and advised Turkey to "remove restrictions" on access to information, as well as renew its commitments to guaranteeing the rule of law.
Arinc said in response that freedom of expression and media freedom were considered an "indispensable part of democratic order" and efforts were continuously being made for their improvement.
He also said that the detention of journalists was not related to their journalistic activities.
Countries also recommended Turkey to adopt anti-discrimination measures against women, children and people with disabilities.
