1. The Committee of
Ministers recalls that all persons within the jurisdiction of a
Contracting Party enjoy the rights under the European Convention
on Human Rights free from discrimination on any ground, including sexual
orientation. Article 2 of the Convention, which protects the right
to life, ranks as one of its most fundamental provisions. It places
positive obligations on the Contracting State to protect life by, inter alia, having in place an effective
criminal justice system, including carrying out an official investigation
into any unlawful killing, capable of identifying those responsible
with a view to their punishment.
2. During the examination by the Committee of Ministers of Mr
Jensen’s question, the Turkish delegation affirmed that its legislation
is in line with the Council of Europe standards and observed that,
since the question was phrased in general terms, with no reference
to a particular event or events, the response could be only of a
general nature.
