Since 12 September 2026, an operation named “My Family Is Safe” has targeted LGBTI+ organisations in Türkiye. At least 117 people were taken into custody in September, including 43 LGBTI+ rights defenders. As of 7 November, 78 people were still imprisoned, and indictments had been prepared for only five of them. A further 419 social media accounts have been blocked, including those of LGBTI+ organisations, journalists and human rights defenders. Trans women were detained in new operations on 23 October and 3 November.

WECF stands with the LGBTI+ movement in Türkiye. Across the UNECE region we see the same sequence. Vague ideas of “public morality” and “family protection” are used against LGBTI+ organisations first, and then against feminist, human rights and environmental groups. Lawful international funding is portrayed as a conspiracy. Laws on “foreign agents” follow.

With COP31 now taking place in Antalya, two letters are open for signatures:

Release detained LGBTI+ rights defenders.

A call from feminist and LGBTI+ organisations in Türkiye for the immediate release of those detained, due process, and an end to the criminalisation of LGBTI+ organising. Sign by 13 November, 17:00 CET:

• Read letter
• Sign the letter

Open letter to the COP31 Presidency.

From the Women and Gender Constituency together with the ENGO, Indigenous Peoples, youth and trade union constituencies. It asks Türkiye and Australia to guarantee the safe participation of all observers, call for the release of those detained, and commit that international funding of civil society will not be treated as suspect. On Gender Day, 16 November, the constituencies will hold a solidarity action at the COP venue. Sign by 15 November:

• Read the letter
• Sign the letter