WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF THE CRIME OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION IS COMMITTED IN TURKEY?

If a crime of international child abduction is committed in Turkey, here are the key steps that should be taken:

1. Contact the Local Authorities

• Immediate Reporting: You must report the abduction to the local police as soon as possible. They will initiate a search and take appropriate actions, including investigating the case under Turkish law.

• International Cooperation: Police in Turkey will liaise with international law enforcement bodies, such as Interpol and the Turkish Ministry of Justice, if needed.

2. Notify the Ministry of Family and Social Services

• In cases of international child abduction, you should also contact Turkey's Ministry of Family and Social Services, which is involved in child protection issues. This helps to ensure the child’s welfare and facilitates international efforts to return the child.

3. File a Case with the Family Court

• A legal case may need to be filed in Turkey’s Family Court if one of the parents or guardians wishes to take legal action for the return of the child. The court will address custody issues and decide on the child’s return.

4. Use the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

• Hague Convention: Turkey is a signatory to the Hague Convention, which is designed to provide a legal framework for the return of children abducted across international borders. If the child has been taken abroad, the left-behind parent or legal guardian can request the child's return through this convention.

• Application Process: The Ministry of Justice in Turkey handles requests for the return of a child under the Hague Convention. A formal application must be submitted, which can be facilitated through an attorney.

5. Seek Legal Advice

• Consulting with an attorney who specializes in family and international law is critical. An experienced lawyer can assist you in navigating both Turkish and international legal procedures, including the Hague Convention process. The lawyer will help you understand your rights and the legal options available.

6. International Enforcement

• If the child has been abducted to another country, the legal process will involve coordination with the authorities in that country. The family law attorneys and courts in both Turkey and the other country will work to resolve the issue under international law.

In all cases of international child abduction, it is essential to act swiftly and cooperate with legal authorities both in Turkey and internationally.