Traveling to COP31 During LGBTI+ Rights Crackdown in Türkiye

Since September 12, 2026, Türkiye has witnessed a serious escalation in the crackdown on LGBTI+ people, activists, and organizations.

Police raids across five provinces resulted in the detention of at least 117 people, including 44 LGBTI+ human rights defenders who were taken into police custody. At least 83 people were subsequently placed in pretrial detention in prisons, including at least 23 activists and individuals associated with LGBTI+ organizations. Many face charges related to “obscenity” and alleged violations of the Law on Associations.

The crackdown has also extended to restrictions of the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.  In September, over 1,000 social media accounts were blocked for access in Türkiye by providers, including those of LGBTI+ organizations, activists, journalists and human rights organizations, many on spurious grounds and some without having received a court decision regarding the grounds of the request to block. At least 125 people protesting the crackdown were detained and later released in Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir.

These developments follow several legislative amendments that were leaked into the public over the last two years that would have criminalized expressions of LGBTI+ identities, public discussion and advocacy of LGBTI+ related issues and restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare. Although these proposals were in the end not placed in front of lawmakers, they reflect an ongoing and increasingly hostile environment for LGBTI+ people.

The current deepening of the crackdown on LGBTI+ rights is part of a broader pattern of shrinking civic space and judicial harassment of human rights defenders in Türkiye.

What to consider before traveling this November to COP31

Climate defenders planning to attend COP31 in Antalya should be aware of the broader restrictions on civic space in Türkiye, including the recent crackdown on LGBTI+ activists and organizations, restrictions on peaceful protests and the judicial harassment of human rights defenders.

The recent developments raise particular concerns for LGBTI+ participants and those publicly expressing solidarity with LGBTI+ rights, who may face increased risks of intimidation, discrimination, or other forms of pressure.

Participants should also be mindful of restrictions on peaceful assemblies and public demonstrations, particularly when planning activities outside the official COP venue. It would be advisable to stay informed about local developments, familiarize themselves with the rules governing protests and public activities, and maintain contact with local civil society organizations.

Law No. 2911 states that foreign nationals organizing meetings and demonstrations must seek and obtain Ministry of Interior permission and that speaking at, holding and displaying placards, banners, photos, flags and other items must be notified to the highest administrative authority in the jurisdiction, namely the governorate of Antalya, 48 hours prior to the protest. In the past few years, some foreign nationals detained during Pride marches were taken to removal centers and issued removal orders.

Key Recommendations

In addition to the recommendations in Global Climate Legal Defense’s COP31 Know the Law and Holistic Security Guides, participants should stay informed about developments in Türkiye in the lead-up to COP31.

If participants are planning public actions or solidarity activities to consult local organizations in advance, particularly to understand the potential risks for local activists and human rights defenders who may continue to face pressure after COP31 has ended.

Additional Resources

Participants may also find it useful to review the UNFCCC's Code of Conduct and official guidance for COP31 participants. For additional information on digital security, Access Now and Front Line Defenders provide practical resources for activists and human rights defenders.

Participants should remain mindful of the potential implications of their activities for local activists and organizations, including after COP31 has ended.