ANKARA - Refugees excluded by their countries and segments of society face problems awaiting solutions. IHD member Gulseren Yoleri said: "For the resolution of problems, the right to asylum must be accepted without hesitation."

 

Forced to leave their countries due to war, conflict and economic crisis, refugees face many issues such as unemployment, security, nutirition, cultural adaptation, and language barriers. 

 

Human Rights Association (IHD) Migration and Refugee Rights Commission member Gulseren Yoleri stated: "The problems refugees face are the responsibility not only of Turkey but of all states worldwide."

 

'THEIR RIGHTS ARE NOT RECOGNIZED'

 

Gulseren Yoleri said refugees cannot access fundamental rights and lose their lives due to attacks. "Impunity policies are applied for perpetrators," she said. 

 

Pointing out discrimination among refugees in Turkey, Gulseren Yoleri added: "There are speacial regulations like the Temporary Protection Regulation for Syrians. Registered Syrians can access basic education, health, work, and housing services but their rights are limited. Unregistered refugees have almost no rights."

 

Gulseren Yoleri noted that 85-90 per cent of Syrian refugees work informally. "Obtaining a work permit is difficult, camp capacities are insufficient, rent prices are high, and discriminatory attitudes restrict the right to housing," she said.

 

Gulseren Yoleri mentioned refugees face ill-treatment in deportation centers and lack access to legal aid and family communication. "It is almost impossible to reach a lawyer of family within the 7-day appeal period for deportation decisions," she added. 

 

SOLUTION PROPOSALS

 

Gulseren Yoleri said: "The right to asylum must be accepted without hesitation, restrictions on work permits, education, and health access should be lifted. Protective mechanisms for women, children, and disabled persons must be developed. Turkey's geographical limitation to the 1951 Geneva Convention should be removed."