İSTANBUL - The HDK Migration and Refugees Council and HDP Migration and Refugees Commission stated that the use of borders by states as a "security" area provides favorable conditions for gangs, and that Turkey turns a blind eye to crimes at the border.

 

Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) Migration and Refugees Assembly and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Migration and Refugees Commission issued a written statement after the footage of the inhumane torture and ill-treatment of refugees on Turkey's Iran border were spread on social media platforms. In the statement, it was stated that the states, including Turkey, have been persecuting refugees under the name of "security" for many years who have been made a subject of bargaining, and it was emphasized that these practices against refugees brutally violated their human rights.

 

'SECURITY MEASURES CREATES CIRCUMSTANCES FAVORABLE FOR GANGS' 

 

In the statement, it was stated that the footage of torture and ransom demands made on refugees by human smugglers at the Iranian border revealed the extent of human rights violations, and the following statements were made: “Security measures at the border areas by states and the European Union provides favorable conditions for human smugglers and human trafficking gangs at the Turkey-Greece and Turkey-Iran borders. Refugees die drowning in the Aegean Sea, Maritza River and Lake Van, and freezing in Ipsala or Van due to Turkey's refusal to recognize their refugee status."

 

TURKEY TURNS A BLIND EYE

 

The reports of the investigations carried out on the Van border and the observations of the local people have shown that the human smugglers have international networks, both in the border area on the Iranian side and on the Turkish side, state officials condone or cooperate with the smugglers' crimes. The deaths of which smugglers are the perpetrators, and sexual violence against women and girls, have come to light in Van, Edirne and other regions.”

 

'LAW OF ASYLUM OF THE REFUGEES SHOULD BE RECOGNISED'

 

In the statement, it was stated that the refugees' experience at the borders are mainly due to the war and occupation policies of President Erdogan and the Ministry of Interior, which continued as follows, "The fact that the imperialist powers that create, cause or participate in migration do not recognize the asylum law, do not apply the asylum procedures, and violate the principle of non-refoulement cost refugees their lives. They must return from this mistake before it's too late, torture at the borders should be stopped, and human smugglers should receive the punishment they deserve. Refugees cannot be left to persecution policies caused by states and their bargains under the name of security. Policies and practices that put people's lives at risk should be abandoned. There must be a united fight against border regimes that produce violence, exploitation and racism and and those who migrate due to war, conflict and political oppression should have access to their rights."