DETENTION OF CHILDREN IN TURKEY

Early day motion 299, tabled 23 June 2010 by Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 31 members.

That this House deplores the Turkish government's policy of detaining children under counter-terrorism laws; notes that around 4,000 Kurdish children are held in prison charged with such offences; expresses its concern that some children and youths face inappropriate sentences for offences such as attending demonstrations; further notes that lawyers defending these cases have condemned the quality of evidence being used to bring such cases to court; understands that many Turkish and international children's and human rights groups are of the opinion that the number of minors affected by Turkey's counter-terrorism legislation is increasing; believes that such prosecutions need to be brought to a halt if Turkey's democratic reforms are to have any substance; and calls for an end to the practice of imprisoning children under counter-terrorism laws in a manner which exacerbates the grievances and sense of injustice felt by Kurds in Turkey and contributes towards prolonging the conflict.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 9, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Conservative 1.