Reference:
(New York, Human Rights Watch, 1994) 38 pages.
Annotation:
Despite statements condemning the practice, the Turkish government has failed
to adequately prohibit forcible viriginity control exams or to punish state agents
who are involved. This report of Human Rights Watch follows from a mission to
Turkey in 1993 to investigate this problem. It begins by briefly outlining the social
and legal context within which this practice is found. It then outlines the
international human rights norms which forced virginity control exams violate.
The report then turns to discuss four aspects of this problem - abuse of women in
custody, abuse by other state agencies, state participation in family-initiated
virginity exams, and the role of the government and medical profession. The
report concludes with recommendations for the Turkish government, Turkish
health care professionals, the U.S. government, the European Union and the
Council of Europe. Available for on-line order.