Turkey requires COP31 speakers to pledge compliance with "public morality"

Speakers and panelists at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya will be required to sign a declaration confirming that their presentations comply with the law and "public morality." Spot Basın Kooperatifi reported this, citing a document sent to attendees.

The conference will take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20. The requirement applies only to those speaking at events in the "Green Zone," which is managed by the host country. The "Blue Zone," the UN-administered area where official negotiations take place, is not affected.

The code of conduct of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which applies to its events, contains no "public morality" provision. The code is based on the principles of human rights, equality, participants' dignity and a safe environment. It explicitly prohibits discrimination, harassment and gender-based harassment, as well as derogatory language based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The declaration prepared for the Green Zone, however, does not explicitly list sexual orientation or gender identity among the grounds of discrimination.

The vague framing of the requirement raises concerns about freedom of expression. It is unclear how "public morality" will be defined, and it could be applied against speeches on gender equality and LGBTI+ rights.

The issue has also reached the Turkish parliament. Özgül Saki, an Istanbul MP from the DEM Party, has submitted a written question to Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, asking him to respond. The question asks who will define the "public morality" standard and how, and whether the declaration complies with the UN code of conduct.

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