IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu commented on the Human Rights Action Plan which was  presented to the public by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 2 March 2021. Stating that the plan consisting of nine objectives, 50 targets and 393 actions was comprehensive, progressive and promising, and important for advancing Turkey’s relations with the EU, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu made the following remarks:

“Today, I had the opportunity to attend the meeting where President Erdoğan presented the Human Rights Action Plan. I think that by swiftly implementing the plan consisting of nine objectives, 50 targets and 393 actions, substantial progress could be achieved in the rule of law, judiciary and justice in Turkey. This plan is also very important in terms of advancing Turkey's EU accession process. Looking at the principles on which the plan is based, issues such as human rights, human dignity, equality before the law without discrimination, freedom of thought, rule of law principles and access to justice contain universal legal norms. At the same time, it is in full compliance with the principles and values enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Looking at the nine objectives on which the plan is based, advancing on these would mean Turkey making progress in the EU process. "

Indicating that the Human Rights Action Plan should also be seen as a response to the recent criticisms by EU institutions and officials that Turkey was moving away from the EU, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu continued his remarks as follows:

"A swift implementation of the Human Rights Action Plan will ensure the revitalisation of Turkey's EU process and the acceleration of reforms on the axis of common values. Protecting human rights and raising awareness, strengthening judicial independence and the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, association and religion, protection of property rights, personal liberty and security, and strengthening the material and moral integrity of the individual, which are the objectives expressed by President Erdoğan, are of critical importance for the integrity, predictability and transparency  of the justice system. In addition to being necessary and in compliance with the criteria Turkey needs to meet as a candidate country, this will also ensure the fulfilment of the benchmarks in the visa liberalisation process. In particular, protecting freedom of expression and removing expression of thoughts from the scope of terrorism, evaluating criticism under freedom of expression and strengthening the Law on Protection of Personal Data will ensure that two of the six remaining benchmarks in the EU visa liberalisation roadmap are fulfilled. Beyond that, it will also lead to significant developments in revitalising Turkey's EU process, creating a favourable climate for foreign investment and improving relations with the West in general.”