TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD 5 REPORT ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUALITY INSTITUTION OF TURKEY 7 INTRODUCTION 7 I. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR EQUALITY INSTITUTIONS A- Competence and Responsibilities B- Composition and Guarantees of Independence and Pluralism C- Methods of Operation D- Quasi-Jurisdictional Competence 10 10 12 14 15 II. TIHEK and COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS A- Competence and Responsibilities of TIHEK 1. TIHEK and Its Legal Basis 2. Duties and Authorities of TIHEK 17 17 17 17 B- TIHEK’s Composition and Guarantees of Independence and Pluralism 1. Composition of TIHEK, Board Members and the Selection Thereof 2. Assurances Granted to the Members of the Board 3. TIHEK and Independence 23 23 27 28 C- TIHEK and Working Methods 1. Powers of TIHEK 2. TIHEK and Working Method 3. TIHEK and Cooperation with Other Institutions 4. TIHEK and Cooperation with CSOs 5. TIHEK and Accessibility 6. TIHEK and Legal Assistance 34 34 35 35 37 38 39