"The precarious conditions and subsequent abandonment of immigrants is at least as deadly and traumatic as the pandemic,"said the HDP, adding that immigrants were left to starve during the coronavirus pandemic.
HDP (Peoples' Democratic Party) Migrant and Refugee Commission co-spokesperson Gülsüm Ağaoğlu said in a written statement to mark 1 May: "We can't forget the migrant workers who are left to starve. The coronavirus outbreak in Turkey has meant that because of precarious and informal conditions more than 1 million migrant workers have been left to starve with their families."
Ağaoğlu added: "Some of the migrant workers have already been turned into the most obvious victims of the exploitation system by getting wages below the minimum wage. Moreover, no immigrants have been able to receive regular support from the unemployment benefit or a similar aid fund after their dismissal. We call on all the progressive groups to raise and embrace the basic demands of the working class, covering the rights of the most exploited migrant workers."
Ağaoğlu continued: "On this basis, during the pandemic, all migrant workers should be provided with basic needs such as electricity, water and heating. Free access to hygiene materials in the pandemic process should be ensured. Strategic plans should be put into practice as soon as possible to support immigrant families, especially women and children, also against domestic violence. Hate speech that deepens discrimination and racism should be countered effectively in a legal context."
