Statement about violations against Syrian refugees in neighboring countries
Violations are still being committed against Syrian refugees in neighboring countries and decisions by governments in those countries continue to violate the fundamental international human rights law principle of non-refoulement and the prohibition of collective expulsion to areas where their lives, freedom, or safety might be at risk.
These events had repercussions in Northern Syria, where hundreds protested in several cities including al-Bab, Azaz, Afrin, and Jarabulus. This led to an escalation of violence that resulted in the death and injury of several people in confrontations between protestors and Turkish forces in the area, as well as the closure of border crossings.
Baytna condemns the recent acts of violence and discrimination against Syrians in Turkey, including personal assaults, arbitrary arrests, property destruction, and deportation to northern Syrian areas, which are still unsafe. These acts are being documented as violations against human rights law.
Baytna appeals to the Turkish government to take serious measures to immediately prevent these acts and not to expose refugees to danger as acts of racism or discrimination. Baytna also urges the international community to cooperate with the Turkish government to resolve the Syrian refugees crisis and to pressure the Turkish government and other neighboring countries to respect international resolutions and conventions to ensure that such actions do not occur in the future.
Baytna invites humanitarian and civil society organizations to cooperate and coordinate to provide appropriate and immediate support to Syrians in Turkey and northern Syria to overcome this stage.
Finally, Baytna emphasizes the importance of the international community’s role in pushing for the implementation of the international resolutions regarding Syria and expediating the political transition process as it is the only solution to ensure the voluntary and safe return of all Syrians abroad.
Baytna July 4, 2024