We reject the allegations in the report published today (25 October) by
Amnesty International regarding Syrians under temporary protection in
Turkey.
Turkey is hosting around 4 million displaced people, over 3,6 million of
them being Syrians, who seek refuge in its territories. Turkey, at a period
when many countries are building walls at their borders and hiding behind
barbed wire, opened its doors to those in need.
While hosting these people in the best manner, we fully respect the
principle of “non-refoulement” in line with our international obligations.
There is no change in our approach. In this respect, claims in the report
that Syrians are forcibly sent back, threatened and subjected to
mistreatment are unreal and fictional.
Our relevant authorities are carrying out the process of safe and voluntary
returns of Syrians to their country in cooperation with the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and non-governmental organizations. As a
matter of fact, around 365.000 Syrians voluntarily returned to the areas
cleared of terrorism by Turkey in Syria.
Turkey reiterates at every occasion that returns of refugees should take
place voluntarily and safely and that this process should be conducted in
line with international law.
We believe that if necessary humanitarian and physical infrastructure and
security conditions are met in Syria, Syrians can return to their country.
In fact, one of the objectives of Operation Peace Spring is to establish a
safe zone, which will facilitate safe and voluntary returns of hundreds of
thousands of Syrians who fled cruelty and oppression of the PKK/PYD/YPG
terrorist organization. We consider that the international community has an
important responsibility in facilitating the process of safe and voluntary
return of Syrians.
Turkey will continue to take the necessary steps to improve the living
conditions of Syrians.