08/07/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
Refugee Rights Coordination made a press statement on attacks against refugees.
The press statement of Refugee Rights Coordination, of which Kaos GL is a member, made on 6 July is as follows:
“We condemn the attacks against migrants and refugees in Kayseri, which started on June 30, 2024, and have since spread to many other cities. We urge public officials to take immediate action to address and prevent further violence.
The recent history of Turkey has witnessed numerous cases of pogroms that occurred as a result of hate speech and targeting specific sections of society. These acts, which should be considered hate crimes, cannot be dismissed as mere ‘public reactions.’ The approach of public officials, through statements that lack a clear stance and mitigate the severity of the crimes, carries the risk of encouraging attackers to repeat their actions.
In fact, the failure to apply the “ban on demonstrations and marches”, which is strictly enforced by the governorships even for the minor peaceful and opposition demonstrations, in the face of these attacks suggests a weakness on the part of the authorities to take the necessary measures against such violence.
Opposition parties, which shape their discourse around the return of refugees instead of producing a human rights-based migration policy in accordance with the law, also bear responsibility for the spread of hate speech and attacks. Additionally, members of the media who use expressions that incite and normalize discrimination and racism must realize the grave and irreversible consequences of their discourse.
It is the responsibility of all public officials, especially law enforcement officers, to ensure the security of life and property for everyone, citizen or not, within the country. Public officials should learn from both the recent history of Turkey and the events that have taken place since June 30 and take the necessary steps to protect those who have been attacked.
In this context:
· The use of careful language towards vulnerable groups is a requirement of both public duty and public broadcasting.
· Public officials, political parties, and all actors who have the capacity to influence society should avoid hate speech targeting certain segments of society and expressions inciting people to hatred and hostility.
· Opposition parties and all individuals and organizations influential in shaping public opinion should be determined to unequivocally reject violence, discrimination, and racism in all circumstances.
· Law enforcement agencies should take all necessary security measures to protect migrants and refugees, and if security forces are insufficient, reinforcements should be brought in from other provinces.
· People who have been harmed in the attacks, especially in Kayseri, should be compensated for their damages, and all those involved in these attacks should be meticulously identified and brought to justice.
· The policy of impunity, frequently encountered in crimes against migrants and refugees, must be ended.
· In all actions against migrants and refugees, the rules of international law must be observed, and international agreements to which Turkey is a party must be complied with. National and international legal rules also include the principle of the individuality of the offence and the principle of non-refoulement.
· As associations and NGOs working in this field, we stand with migrants and refugees and against hatred, violence, and racism.”
Tags: human rights
