Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch published its observations and impressions about the current refugee crisis in Edirne and Çanakkale at a press conference held in the association building in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. The report was read by IHD Istanbul Branch President Gülseren Yoleri.

OBSERVATIONS

Yoleri told of the odyssey experienced by refugees on their way to border areas. She said refugees are subjected to several control and identity check at the last control point. “We saw that there were about 3-5 thousand refugees around the gate. However, there is no place for healthcare and first care. We saw that even those who were injured following the gas attack of the Greek police were not dressed, and the risk of infection and epidemics is very high."

Stating that official institutions do not provide shelter, nutrition, and treatment, Yoleri added that refugees who want to return to Istanbul are asked to pay high amount of money. An average of 10 thousand refugees gathered at Pazarkule Border Gate said Yoleri, adding: “People are trying to build shelters with tarpaulins and branches that they collected from the forest in order to protect themselves from the cold and wind. They are heated by the fire they burn in cans. Although the weather is very cold, refugees don't have enough items to protect themselves from the cold. There were only 2 mobile toilets to meet the needs of about 10 thousand people."

Stating that there are too many children in the buffer zone and that most of the children are sick, Yoleri said: “We have seen that people have come to this point because they had a hope, but that they have been disappointed and deceived by the reality they encounter. Refugees are brought to an empty muddy land about one km from the border gate with their belongings. They are walking up to the border gate from there.”

Yoleri said that the road was closed by armored troops in Bosnaköy, which is 8-10 kilometers from Pazarkule, and added: “Vehicles and people going that way are warned to return. Gun shots are constantly heard from the area and clearly crossing this border involves a great risk."

Referring to the situation in Çanakkale Ayvacık, Yoleri stated that the point is very active but the boats in which refugees are trying to cross, often sink. She said: “After the latest incident, approximately 25 people waiting for boats on the beach were taken into Edirne after being forced into a car.”

'They trust the government and they die’

Remarking that the refugees traveled to the border region with the hope of crossing into Europe, relying on the statements of the government officials, Yoleri said: “Many of them have left their homes and jobs, and moved with their entire family, children and parents, pregnant wives. They try to cross into Europe illegally by land, river or sea.”

DEMANDS

The following demands were listed at the meeting:

"* The use of refugees as a bargaining tool with Europe should end, and legal and criminal proceedings should be initiated against those who violate the rights of refugees.

* Humanitarian living conditions should be provided to refugees, and their basic needs such as education, health, shelter, nutrition, work should be granted, while discrimination and hate attacks against refugees should be prevented.

* The Readmission Agreement signed with Europe must end.

* Refugees in Turkey should be given legal refugee status, also according to the 1951 Geneva Convention.

* European and world states should open their borders to refugees, and the right of freedom of movement and settlement of refugees should be recognised."