Türkiye on Saturday dismissed the U.S. State Department’s 2024 Human Rights Report as “unfounded,” accusing Washington of echoing “manipulative rhetoric” from terrorist groups and misrepresenting Ankara’s counterterrorism and refugee policies.
"We reject the repeated unfounded allegations concerning Türkiye in the 2024 Human Rights Report released by the US Department of State," a Foreign Ministry statement said.
Noting that Türkiye has been effectively fighting all forms and manifestations of terrorism in line with the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, the statement said that the claims in the report "are far from reality."
"We also deeply regret the inclusion in the report of baseless and unfounded claims put forward through the manipulative rhetoric of the FETÖ terrorist organization," it said.
"Türkiye's counter terrorism operations in Syria are carried out on the basis of the right of self defense and with the utmost care for the civilian population and infrastructure. It is entirely wrong to portray these operations outside this just and legitimate framework," it further said.
Noting that the country has welcomed millions of refugees for years and met their basic needs, the statement said that Türkiye serves as an "exemplary country with a comprehensive and sustainable global migration management policy that is based on human dignity."
The report, without substantial evidence, hurled several accusations toward Türkiye, from arbitrary or unlawful killings to torture and "transnational repression" linked to Türkiye's fight against the PKK terrorist group and the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ). It also claimed that Türkiye forced Syrian refugees to return home.
A senior official from Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) also criticized the report, accusing Washington of distorting facts and unfairly targeting Ankara.
Deputy Chairman Hüseyin Yayman said the report served “no purpose other than to distort the truth and smear Türkiye.” “We will continue, together with our nation, to uphold the rule of law, protect freedoms, and govern our country in a strong, safe and just manner,” Yayman wrote Sunday on his Next Social account.
Yayman said the report’s claims about Türkiye were “baseless and meaningless,” describing it as biased and hostile. He added that the findings were an attempt to undermine Türkiye’s commitment to law, security and human rights.
Highlighting his country’s alignment with international law and democratic norms, Yayman said Türkiye was determined to defend the rights and freedoms of all its citizens.
“As we conduct our fight against terrorism to protect our people’s security, we will also continue to safeguard human rights and the rule of law, whether you like it or not,” he said. “With its policies prioritizing human dignity and opening its doors to millions of refugees, Türkiye continues to be a country that balances freedom and security.”
Yayman also accused Washington of hypocrisy. “Those who try to lecture us on law and human rights should first look in the mirror,” he said. “They should be ashamed of their own record on democracy and rights. Those who remain silent on Gaza cannot speak to us.”
