A number of UN agencies have expressed a deep concern about the bill submitted to the Turkish parliament, which allows criminals who committed sexual violence against children to avoid punishments. The document reads that the offender must marry his victim.

The UN highlights, if the Turkish parliament accepts the bill in its present form, it will mean a significant retreat in the fight against sexual violence and early marriages. Human rights defenders noted, that marriages with abusers will turn women into lifelong victims.

The UN recalls that Turkey ratified the Rights of the Child and the declarations on the Elimination of All Forms of discrimination against women. Therefore, the legislation in Turkey must comply with international norms.