Türkiye accuses US of bias in Trafficking in Persons report

The ministry expressed its disappointment, highlighting Türkiye's significant efforts to combat human trafficking.

In the press release, the Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that Türkiye has been actively working to prevent human trafficking, prosecute offenders, and provide protection to victims. The country has also been engaged in bilateral, regional, and international collaborations aimed at strengthening these efforts.

The ministry criticized the U.S. report for politicizing human rights and categorically denied any allegations of child recruitment, asserting that Türkiye is fully committed to international agreements on child protection, including those established by the United Nations.

Furthermore, the Turkish ministry called upon the United States to address its own concerns, particularly regarding its support for the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, known for forcibly recruiting children in Syria and Iraq. The ministry raised questions about the objectivity of the sources relied upon by U.S. authorities in their decision-making process and stated that such allegations do not align with the spirit of alliance.

The press release also referenced a recent report from the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which documented serious crimes committed by the PKK/YPG-controlled "Syrian Democratic Forces," including the recruitment of children and other human rights abuses.

Moreover, the Turkish Foreign Ministry pointed to the U.S. State Department's 2022 International Religious Freedom Report on Iraq, which specifically highlighted the PKK's recruitment of Yezidi children for ideological purposes, urging the U.S. to focus on addressing the actions of this separatist terrorist organization.

The ministry concluded by reaffirming Türkiye's commitment to regional and international conventions aimed at preventing human trafficking, pledging to continue its efforts in this regard. The statement underscored Türkiye's determination to uphold its responsibilities and contribute to global anti-trafficking initiatives.

This development highlights the tension between Türkiye and the United States over the characterization of Türkiye's efforts to combat human trafficking in the latest U.S. report and adds to the broader geopolitical issues between the two nations. Türkiye