Front Line Defenders said in a statement that it "is deeply concerned about the reports of violence, legal harassment, arbitrary arrests and threats against human rights defenders in the regions affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and calls Turkish authorities to not obstruct their work. Human rights defenders who were perceived as criticising the government are specifically targeted by security forces on the ground."

The statement added: "Many journalists on the ground reported that they were stopped by security forces while trying to cover news and were threatened by officials not to report anything that would undermine the government."

Front Line Defenders reminds the Turkish authorities of the article 1 of the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid which states “Humanitarian aid is a fundamental expression of the universal value of solidarity between people and a moral imperative”. The Consensus also emphasises that “the ‘humanitarian space’ that is needed to ensure access to vulnerable populations and the safety and security of humanitarian workers must be preserved as essential preconditions for the delivery of humanitarian aid".

Front Line Defenders urges the Turkish government to ensure a safe and enabling working environment for human rights defenders who have been tirelessly working in the region since the first day of the earthquake and to stop the targetting of them as a result of their legitimate work in the defence of human rights. Security forces and officials must allow all human rights defenders and volunteers to continue their work to deliver the necessary and life-saving goods and services to survivors. Human rights defenders should be able to document and report the developments on the ground without fear of violence and arrests.