Turkish Parliament passes sweeping child protection law reforms

The Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Justice Committee approved a comprehensive amendment package titled the Child Protection Law and amendments to several statutes. The measures lower criminal responsibility for children aged 12‑15 who cannot comprehend legal consequences, while introducing stricter penalties for 15‑18‑year‑olds involved in severe offenses. A new provision makes adults who store firearms negligently—allowing a child to access them—liable to one to three years in prison if no other crime occurs. The reforms also increase sanctions for parents who fail to fulfill their duty of care, raising imprisonment terms for neglect and abandonment.

In parallel, the parliamentary commission investigating the violent school incidents in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş was granted a one‑month extension to continue its work, emphasizing the need for a holistic child‑protection framework that includes education, health, social services and security. Lawmakers and child‑rights advocates, including vocal criticism from victims’ families, highlighted the urgency of protecting children’s right to safe schooling and their physical and mental integrity.