The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concerns regarding the legislative changes in Turkey that allow for the sentencing of minors to life imprisonment.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated on Thursday that he is concerned about recent legislative changes in Turkey that allow for the sentencing of minors to life imprisonment. Turk emphasized that it is essential for these laws to be reviewed to comply with Turkey's international obligations in the field of human rights, particularly children's rights.

According to international law, the deprivation of liberty of minors should be a measure of last resort, applied for the shortest time possible. The amendment to the child protection law, adopted on August 8, provides for the internment of minors in closed centers, and the transfer to educational institutions will be subject to assessment. Turk highlighted that justice systems, including those for youth, must combine accountability with rehabilitation and social reintegration.