Turkish Parliament forms commission to investigate child murders, abuse

The Turkish Parliament has established a commission to investigate child murders and cases of child abuse, following a session led by Deputy Speaker Gulizar Bicer Karaca.

The newly formed commission will consist of 22 members and will have the authority to conduct investigations both within Ankara and outside the capital if necessary.

During the Parliamentary session, proposals aimed at determining measures to support children’s healthy development by protecting them from all forms of violence, neglect and abuse were combined and discussed.

Lack of state support claims

The first to speak on behalf of the Felicity and Future Group was Kutahya Member of Parliament (MP) Ali Fazil Kasap, who highlighted various issues related to child poverty in Türkiye. Kasap criticized the lack of state support for essential goods for newborns, such as baby formula and diapers, and called attention to the plight of children affected by poverty.

He also pointed out the government’s inaction on several health issues concerning children, including vaccines and treatment for SMA patients.

Rising cases of child abuse

Speaking on behalf of the Good Party (IYI Party), Tekirdag MP Selcan Tasci expressed concern over the rising number of child abuse cases in Türkiye. Tasci noted that between 2015 and 2023, the number of cases had doubled, while conviction rates had declined.

She emphasized the need to build a system that would discourage repeat offenses and criticized the failure to fully implement existing child protection laws.

Failure to act on previous reports

Representing the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Osmaniye MP Asu Kaya condemned the ruling party for failing to act on earlier reports by eight commissions established to address child murders.

Kaya argued that the government had not learned from previous incidents and stressed the need for stronger measures to protect children from violence and abuse.