The European Union launched a project in Ankara on 18 January 2022 with the aim of improving the effectiveness of family courts, in protecting the rights of women, children and other family members. The event was attended by the Minister of Justice, Mr Abdulhamit Gul, Council of Europe Director of General Programmes, Ms Verena Taylor, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Director of EU Affairs, Mr Faruk Kaymakcı and Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey Minister Counsellor Ms Eleftheria Pertzinidou.

Family justice is constantly evolving and is one of the most complex fields of the judicial system. It plays a critical role in ensuring that children and women can fully enjoy their rights and be put at the centre of the system. The establishment of family courts as “specialised courts” in Turkey has been an important step on the way to provide due protection mechanisms for family rights in a judicial process, especially by enabling fairer and quicker decisions and offering specialised court services to families.

The functioning of the judiciary and the improved capacities of family courts to protect the rights of women, children and other family members is fundamental to ensure that the family justice system works in accordance with the Copenhagen Criteria and the European Convention on Human Rights.

With an EU contribution of € 2.2 million, the project will enhance the effectiveness and functioning of the family courts and office of public prosecutors. Training on key human rights and family law issues will be provided to the judges and prosecutors, and collaboration mechanisms among stakeholders will be improved. Finally, the project will also increase the awareness of the public in relation to family court proceedings.

The project envisages a comprehensive needs analysis, as well as the development of guidelines, handbooks, and materials to be used in family courts. New tools will be drafted for family court judges to ensure consistency in the application of the law including for cases of domestic violence. Recommendations for legislative amendments will be developed to improve case-management, introduce fast-track and simplified court procedures, promote child-friendly justice, and counter domestic violence.

The project will be implemented by the Council of Europe.

Date/ Time:    18 January 2022, 10:00

Venue:            Sheraton Hotel, Ankara

 For more information, please contact the Delegation:

Gamze Kosekahya, Tel: (+90 312) 459 87 00; E-mail: gamze.kosekahya@eeas.europa.eu

 For press enquiries please contact:

Miray Akdag, Press Officer for the Delegation of European Union to Turkey

Tel: 0312 4598700,

E-mail: miray.akdag@eeas.europa.eu