The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) made a joint oral statement at the UN Human Rights Council 60th session, during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome of Turkey, on 29 September.

Fighting discrimination

They expressed their concern about the entry bans that the Protestant community, which “includes both citizens and non-citizens, as well as many foreign members —some long-term residents with families”, faces in Turkey.

The WEA and the BWA explained that, despite “they have not been charged with any crime”, these Christians “are being banned from the country simply because of their religious affiliation”.

“Their exclusion also disrupts local congregations, often leaving communities without a pastor”, they warned.

That is why, the statement urged the Tukish government “to engage in structured dialogue with the Protestant minority and to include community representatives in official meetings”.

Hate speech

In addition to the ban entries, the evangelical entities denounced that “Christians experienced an increase in hate speech and hate crimes in 2024”, and “perpetrators were released without consequences, fueling mistrust”.

Therefore, the joint statement encouraged Turkish authorities to “strengthen its legislation by clearly defining hate speech and hate crimes in line with international standards, and to ensure that all complaints are effectively investigated and perpetrators held accountable”.