Amnesty International (AI) on Saturday called on German ChancellorAngela Merkel to directly address the issue of human rights during her upcoming visit to Turkey.
The human rights group also criticized the EU's proposal of financial aid and concessions to Turkey to contain the mass movement of asylum seekers to Europe.
"Angela Merkel must insist that Turkey cleans up its act before treating it as a reliable partner in the EU's border management," said Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International's Turkey researcher.
"Talks between the EU and Turkey... risk putting the rights of refugees a distant second behind border control measures designed to prevent refugees from reaching the EU," Gardner argued.
AI also noted flaws in Turkey's human rights record, saying Merkel should not remain silent on the matter in talks with Turkish leaders.
Note EU-Digest: Absolutely - Merkel should not start discussions wirh Turkey about anything unless Turkey complies with human rights demands and after Turkish elections produce a more democratic government.
Amnesty: Merkel should speak up for human rights in Turkey | News | DW.COM | 17.10.2015
The human rights group also criticized the EU's proposal of financial aid and concessions to Turkey to contain the mass movement of asylum seekers to Europe.
"Angela Merkel must insist that Turkey cleans up its act before treating it as a reliable partner in the EU's border management," said Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International's Turkey researcher.
"Talks between the EU and Turkey... risk putting the rights of refugees a distant second behind border control measures designed to prevent refugees from reaching the EU," Gardner argued.
AI also noted flaws in Turkey's human rights record, saying Merkel should not remain silent on the matter in talks with Turkish leaders.
Note EU-Digest: Absolutely - Merkel should not start discussions wirh Turkey about anything unless Turkey complies with human rights demands and after Turkish elections produce a more democratic government.
Amnesty: Merkel should speak up for human rights in Turkey | News | DW.COM | 17.10.2015
