A new law in Turkey, while ostensibly designed to support young couples, risks facilitating child marriages and exacerbating domestic violence in the guise of social and economic development, according to critics who include the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (HEDEP) MP Sümeyye Boz.
The Family and Youth Fund Law is a comprehensive socioeconomic initiative aimed at supporting young couples and “fostering family stability”. Ratified by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on Wednesday, it establishes the Family and Youth Fund under the Treasury and Finance Ministry, managed by deputy ministers from various departments. A part of the state’s revenue generated from activities regulated under the country’s Petroleum Law and Mining Law is allocated as a source of income for the Family and Youth Fund, while other sources include revenues from other funds, repayments from projects and various donations. A key feature is a credit program for newly married couples, offering a 2-year grace period and a 48-month repayment term, to assist young people in establishing homes.
The law, designed to provide financial support to young couples, particularly those between 18 and 28 years old, has been criticised for its flexible approach to age limits based on regional differences. Boz pointed out the law’s provision for regional discretion in setting age limits for accessing the fund’s benefits, which she argues could lead to a rise in child marriages in certain areas. This, coupled with the law’s failure to tackle the persistent issues of domestic violence and the perpetuation of patriarchal norms, presents a worrying picture of the legislation’s potential societal impact.
Boz’s criticism extends beyond the potential for encouraging child marriages. She also highlights the problematic nature of the law’s definition of family, arguing that it fails to address critical issues like domestic violence and gender inequality. The MP accuses the law of strengthening the family institution in a way that serves the agenda of the Turkish government, led by the Justice and Development Party (AKP), without effectively tackling these underlying societal challenges.
Boz also points out that despite claims that the granting of leniency in sentencing for good conduct in domestic violence cases had been abolished in March 2022, such reductions in sentences continue to be granted. This, she says, demonstrates a disconnect between the government’s stated objectives and the actual impact of its policies.
Boz further raises concerns about the transparency and purpose of the fund, particularly in light of the law granting the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan substantial control over budgetary adjustments. She asks whether the fund might not be used for political favouritism or patronage, especially in the context of the coming local elections.
