The right to education in Turkish prisons within the context of the European Convention on Human Rights

Abstract

This thesis investigates Türkiye's obligations regarding prisoners' right to education under international law, national law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with a focus on the discrepancies between legal frameworks and practical implementation. The study highlights the historical evolution of education as a fundamental human right and examines Türkiye's legislative context, noting significant challenges in funding and educational quality. The research delves into European influences on Türkiye's penal policies, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and education in modern prison systems. Despite Türkiye's legislative efforts, significant restrictions on prisoners' access to education remain. Practical challenges in implementation include overcrowding, limited access to educational resources, and financial constraints, which hinder prisoners' educational pursuits. The study calls for comprehensive legal reforms to broaden rehabilitative activities, ensure fair evaluation criteria, remove barriers to higher education and Internet access, and enhance financial support for prisoners. In conclusion, addressing these deficiencies is crucial for Türkiye to align its practices with human rights standards and improve its prison reform approach, emphasizing education as a key tool for rehabilitation and reintegration.