We, civil societyorganizations, have been watching with concern the recent attacks and lynching attempts targeting Syrian refugees in some cities, especially in Gaziantep. We believe it is necessary to take the following actions as soon as possible to ensure the security of nearly 2 million Syrian refugees who fled the war and bombings in their country to take refuge in Turkey. 

1 - The international community does not see any chances of atmosphere of peace coming in Syria in immediate future at this point when the crisis is into its 4th year. In this case, it must be acknowledged that 4.5 million Syrian refugees have to stay in host neighbouring countries still for some time. It is not likely that Syrians, numbering 1,3 million in Turkey according to official figures, would soon return to their own country or go to third countries other than Turkey. In the light of these facts, it is necessary to try to find ways of a harmonious coexistence of Syrian refugees living under very difficult circumstances and the local people. 

2- It is the duty of the state to prevent incidents that have occurred and likely to reoccur in some cities. No arrangement has been made regarding this status which has been "temporary" for four years. Since April 2014, Syrian refugees have been granted "temporary protection" status within the framework of Article 91 of the Foreigners and International Protection Law. However, the "Temporary Protection Regulation" envisaged in the law has not yet been issued. A new harmonization law or secondary legislation should be issued as soon as possible, clarifying how many years the temporary protection will last, what kind of a status shall be given at the end of this period and what other rights, denied so far,  shall be provided, including particularly the right to file an asylum application. 3- The concept "guest" currently used by some actors in Turkey, including official authorities to describe Syrian asylum seekers means nothing in legal terms. Syrian refugees are individuals who have rights and whose rights must be respected. Therefore, such definitions that lack a legal basis should not be used any longer. Otherwise, it would be likely that Syrian refugees become victims of other acts of violence, in a context where they are having trouble in exercising their fundamental human rights such as employment, housing, education, etc., as a result of being deprived of a permanent legal status, and who have a rightful concern about their own future and especially their children's future. 

3- It is vital that our people, embracing Syrian refugees who fled the conflict in their country, should understand why Syrian refugees had no choice but to leave their country. In this respect, the government and the media have a significant role to play in creating positive perceptions. We think that the failure of authorities to make public all relevant arrangements about Syrians in a sufficiently detailed and accurate way and leaving the Syrians living in host communities "to their own devices" played an important role in increasing the hate speech towards Syrians in the meantime. 

Unfortunately, we are concerned that the offenses of hate crimes and aggressions against Syrians have not been adequately prosecuted, that perpetrators have not yet been given any sanction and necessary measures have not been taken. Moreover, in some cases, we see that Syrians who were attacked were forcibly displaced "once again”, they were placed in camps against their will and they were even persuaded to return collectively to Syria. Moreover, the media reports that camps will be set up for Syrians in "safe" zones in Syria with Turkey's support and we would like to emphasize once again that these initiatives are very wrong in terms of human rights and international law. 

4- The government and the Directorate General of Migration Management, the competent authority in migration and asylum, should cooperate with representatives of refugees, civil societyorganizations, business circles, professional chambers and public opinion leaders in planning and implementing the actions to be taken for helping all refugees and asylum seekers, including Syrian refugees, to lead a decent life and to ensure social cohesion. 

 

We believe that it is our common responsibility and obligation to ensure that all Syrian refugees lead a decent life with dignity during their stay in Turkey. If they are supported and their rights given, they will enrich our society economically, socially and culturally. When they return to their country one day, they will remember Turkey positively and build a better neighbouring country. 

Kind regards, 

  • Civil Society in Penal System Association (CISST)
  • Agenda Child
  • Hamisch Syrian Culture House 
  • Helsinki Citizens' Assembly (hCa) 
  • Asylum and Migration Research Center (İGAMDER) 
  • Human Rights Association (IHD) 
  • Human Rights Agenda Association (IHGD) 
  • Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (Kaos-GL) 
  • Association for Solidarity with Refugees (Mülteci-Der) 
  • Health and Social Service Workers' Union (SES) 
  • Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (ASAM) 
  • Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) 
  • Amnesty International Turkey Branch (AI)