Türk pointed to severe restrictions on education, employment, freedom of movement and participation in public life, alongside strict dress rules and the complete exclusion of women from public decision-making. Fresh decrees issued this year make it more difficult for a woman to separate from a spouse and implicitly authorise child marriage and violence against women and children.

On Gaza, Türk said Israel had killed more than 1,300 Palestinians in daily strikes despite a ceasefire announced almost a year earlier, while continuing to limit humanitarian aid. He condemned proposals for the forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and urged States to stop arms transfers that could be used to violate international law. 

The statement comes at a sensitive moment following the recent general election. Türk underlined that the protection of civil and political rights remains vital to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring long-term stability.