The violations of the right to life in the context ofthe European Convention on Human Rights and the Turkish Penal Code

The right to life is a paramount right among human rights. The atrocities committed during the Second World War led to an emerging requirement for a global assurance on human rights protection. Providing such a protection mechanism began with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was followed by the European Convention on Human Rights. Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights is the fundamental guarantee of the right to life. The Convention imposes obligations on state parties not to deprive one of life; to take appropriate measures to protect the lives of those within their jurisdiction; to carry out an effective investigation of alleged unlawful killings. Law enforcement officials are responsible for the protection and, if necessary, reinstatement of public order. Violations of the right to life may occur as a result of the use of excessive and/or disproportionate force by law enforcement officials. The gravest allegations presented in the European Court of Human Rights against Turkey were mainly state enforced disappearances; unknown assailant murders; the failure of authorities to carry out effective investigations into alleged unlawful killings; the state of impunity of the perpetrators. However, despite the commitments to compliance with international legal and regulatory requirements, right to life violations continue to exist within Turkey.