Turkey

Elected to office for a fourth term in 2015, and enjoying a strong parliamentary majority, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has demonstrated a growing intolerance of political opposition, public protest, and critical media. Government interference with the courts and prosecutors has undermined judicial independence and the rule of law. The breakdown of a peace process and escalating conflict between Turkish security forces and the armed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in towns across the Southeast has led to mounting civilian deaths and multiple rights violations. Turkey hosts 2.2 million Syrian refugees, many of whom face obstacles accessing education and employment, and is the main transit route for asylum seekers trying to reach the European Union. Border restrictions and visa requirements impede the ability of Syrians to seek protection in Turkey.