Strasbourg, 25.06.2009 - The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, will start on Sunday 28 June a six day visit to Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara.
"The aim of the visit is to gain first hand information on the human rights' situation of asylum-seekers and minorities and to discuss other major human rights issues with the Turkish authorities, continuing and enhancing the constant dialogue with my Office" said the Commissioner.
During the visit the Commissioner intends to meet with high level state authorities including the President of the Republic and the Minister of Justice, as well as with members of the Turkish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Chair of the Human Rights Inquiry Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. In Izmir, the Commissioner will also meet with local authorities. Further meetings are scheduled with religious leaders, representatives of civil society, experts and international organisations. Visits to relevant institutions including places of detention, will also be on the agenda.
A report with the findings of the visit is expected to be published later in the year.