The Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026 establishes U.S. policy to hold the Turkish government accountable for human rights abuses by conditioning security assistance on democratic reforms and supporting civil society, independent media, and political prisoners.
Edward "Ed" Markey
Senator
MA
The Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive framework to address democratic backsliding and human rights abuses in Turkey. The bill mandates annual reporting, restricts security assistance contingent on human rights improvements, and authorizes support for civil society, independent media, and political prisoners. It also directs the U.S. government to use diplomatic and sanction-based tools to hold Turkish officials accountable for political repression and transnational harassment.
Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026 Sets Strict Conditions on U.S. Security Aid and Targets Transnational Repression.
The Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026 establishes a firm U.S. policy stance against the systematic crackdown on civil liberties in Turkey. The bill identifies a sharp decline in democratic standards since 2016, citing the detention of over 95,000 people and the dismissal of 125,000 civil servants under vague anti-terrorism laws (Section 2). To address this, the legislation mandates that the U.S. use all diplomatic tools to advocate for the release of 'prisoners of conscience'—defined in Section 3 as individuals imprisoned solely for peaceful exercise of their rights—and pushes for the repeal of laws that criminalize insulting political figures.
Putting the Brakes on Military Aid
One of the most significant shifts in this bill is found in Section 9, which freezes certain security assistance, including Foreign Military Financing and Sales. For this money to flow again, the Secretary of State must certify that Turkey is taking 'demonstrable and sustained steps' to release political prisoners and comply with international human rights judgments, like those involving activist Osman Kavala. While there is a 'national security waiver' that allows the U.S. to bypass these restrictions if it's deemed vital to American interests, the bill requires a detailed justification to Congress if that loophole is used. This means your tax dollars for overseas military aid are now tied directly to how a NATO ally treats its own citizens.
Digital Rights and Global Reach
The bill takes a hard look at how modern technology is used to silence dissent. It opposes the export of surveillance software to Turkey (Section 4) and calls out the government for blocking over 1.2 million websites since 2007 (Section 6). For anyone living in the U.S. with family in Turkey, Section 8 is particularly relevant: it authorizes visa restrictions and sanctions on Turkish officials who engage in 'transnational repression.' This is aimed at stopping the harassment or abduction of critics living abroad, ensuring that people in the U.S. aren't targeted for what they post on social media or for their political affiliations back home.
Support for the Front Lines
Beyond just cutting off aid, the bill actively funds the opposition and civil society. Section 10 directs the State Department to provide financial assistance to organizations working to free prisoners and even assigns U.S. staff to monitor trials in Turkish courts. Section 12 increases support for independent journalists, including those forced to work in exile. By requiring an annual report for the next five years (Section 11), the bill ensures that the U.S. government stays focused on these issues, tracking everything from internet censorship to the treatment of LGBTQIA+ communities and women's rights, making human rights a permanent fixture of the U.S.-Turkey relationship.