The Ministry of Treasury and Finance clarified that the loans provided by the World Bank in cooperation with Turkey do not have any relation to the Istanbul Convention and LGBTI+ issues.
In a written statement released by the Ministry, it was emphasised that the allegations circulating on social media regarding the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), which serves as a roadmap for the 5-year collaboration with the World Bank, are baseless. The statement highlighted, “Since our membership in the World Bank in 1947, a total of 52 billion dollars in financing has been provided. These funds are utilised within the scope of development priorities through projects jointly developed by our relevant institutions and the World Bank. The use of funds provided by the World Bank is strictly in line with the objectives of the projects.”
It was noted that the World Bank loans aim at sustainable growth focused on poverty reduction and equitable sharing of prosperity. The statement clarified, “The utilisation of these resources considers the common interest of society. The term ‘vulnerable groups’ mentioned in the CPF primarily refers to individuals working in professions adversely affected by the green transformation and those facing difficulties in accessing financing. Through World Bank projects, skills are imparted to these groups to integrate them into production, thereby increasing employment and reducing poverty. Therefore, these loans have no relation to the Istanbul Convention and LGBT issues.” The statement also highlighted the significant role of the World Bank in the utilisation of grant support provided by the European Union under the Financial Support Program for Refugees (FRIT). Indicators related to such support are monitored in the CPF document. However, there is no provision for any loan from the World Bank specifically for refugees in the new CPF document. The statement concluded with a commitment to continue working with the World Bank to support our development goals and to generate added value through the large-scale projects we have developed.
Statement from the Disinformation Combat Center
The Disinformation Combat Center stated, “Support for LGBTI is not included in the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) signed with the World Bank.”
In a social media post, the DCC clarified, “The claim circulating on some social media accounts that ‘World Bank project financing will be provided for LGBTI support and refugee employment’ is not accurate. Support for LGBTI is not included in the Country Partnership Framework signed with the World Bank. Within the framework of the program, the term ‘vulnerable groups’ refers to individuals working in professions adversely affected by the green transformation and those facing difficulties in accessing financing. While indicators related to grant support provided by the EU for refugees in our country are monitored in the CPF document, there is no provision for any financial support from the World Bank specifically for refugees.”
