The Turkish-Iranian border between Northern and Eastern Kurdistan represents an important route of escape from Iran and Afghanistan.

Due to the conditions of the border, more and more people seeking protection are dying on the dangerous creeping routes through the high mountains. But the coronavirus pandemic also poses a deadly threat to those seeking protection.

Hanife Güzel, co-chair of the Migration Research Association in Van, warns: "While it was difficult for these people to find accommodation and food under normal conditions, the situation is now far worse. They lack any health care, and since refugees are always considered secondary at this stage, no one listens to their voice."

Those seeking protection are only considered a "security problem"

Güzel emphasizes that everyone must have the right to protection against the virus in the state in which they live. The refugees however are considered a security problem and this would have dramatic consequences. Neither accommodation nor nutrition are guaranteed, says Güzel and complains that many of those seeking protection are in fact in a very heavy danger.

Number of dead refugees not disclosed

Refugees are not often even admitted to hospitals, explains the co-chair of the Migration Research Association in Van and continues: "The number of refugees is fairly high. The official statistics speak of a smaller number, but the real numbers are not released. The government doesn't even think it necessary to disclose the number of refugees who died."