The protection of civil and political rights under the European Convention of Human Rights through accession of Turkey to the European Union

Abstract

Since the signing of the Ankara treaty in 1963, one of the most problematic issues facing Turkey regarding joining of the European Union has been the issue of Human Rights. Through this thesis I hope to present an understanding of the fact that in order for the problems to be solved there is a certain mentality, which needs to be adopted. The human rights which are most frequently violated in Turkey are being studied by the European Union. This is due to Turkey's application to become a member of the European Union; hence, all criteria must be met and sustained. The application of the Copenhagen criteria is the starting point for several reforms on human rights in Turkey. The guidelines for the reforms are based on the judgments of the European Commission of Human Rights (hereinafter ref erred to as the Commission) and the European Court of Human Rights (hereinafter referred to as the Court). This thesis shall attempt to objectively analyse how Turkey must develop in order to fulfil the Copenhagen Criteria in order to join the European Union.