UNHCR deplores forced return of 135 Iraqis by Turkey

News Stories, 26 July 2007

© UNHCR

GENEVA, 26 July (UNHCR) – The UN refugee agency on Thursday expressed deep concern about reports the Turkish authorities have forcibly returned 135 Iraqis to their country, although some may have been seeking asylum.

Taking into consideration the current situation in Iraq, UNHCR said it is extremely concerned for their safety. No information is currently available on their whereabouts.

Last December, UNHCR issued an advisory recommending that countries should not forcibly return any Iraqi from central or southern Iraq until there was a substantial improvement in security and human rights in the country. It also said people should not be returned to the three Northern Governorates if they do not originate from there.

The 135 were apprehended in Urla near the city of Izmir earlier this month as part of a larger group of some 500 people – most of them Iraqis, Palestinians, Sri Lankans and Afghans – who were about to depart Turkey irregularly.

"UNHCR understands that some of the deported persons had made an asylum claim. If this is confirmed, the deportations would be a clear violation of the principle of non-refoulement, under which no refugee or asylum seeker whose case has not yet been properly assessed, can be forcibly returned to a country where their life or liberty may be at risk," UNHCR said in a statement. "Refoulement is explicitly prohibited by the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and it is also contrary to international customary law."

In addition to seeking urgent clarification from the government of Turkey on the events surrounding the deportation, and further information on the fate of the deportees, UNHCR said it has sought assurances that in the future people needing international protection will be treated in full respect of Turkey's international and national legal obligations.

At the same time, UNHCR requested that Turkey admit into the asylum procedure the claims of those in the remaining group who expressed fear to return to their country of origin. UNHCR said it was pleased that Turkey has agreed to conduct a joint screening exercise with UNHCR to identify those in the group who wish to apply for asylum.

On 18 December 2006, UNHCR issued an advisory on the international protection needs of Iraqis outside Iraq, which was shared with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. UNHCR noted the overall situation in Iraq was characterized by generalized violence in which massive, targeted violations of human rights are prevalent.

• DONATE NOW •

 

• GET INVOLVED • • STAY INFORMED •

Related stories by:

UNHCR country pages

UNHCR Iraq Fact Sheet

Camp New Iraq (formerly Camp Ashraf) residents and the determination of their refugee status claims (Update No. 5, 14 February 2013)

Beyond the Border

In 2010, the Turkish border with Greece became the main entry point for people attempting by irregular methods to reach member states of the European Union, with over 132,000 arrivals. While some entered as migrants with the simple wish of finding a better life, a significant number fled violence or persecution in countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq and Somalia. The journey is perilous, with many reports of drowning when people board flimsy vessels and try to cross the Mediterranean Sea or the River Evros on the border between Greece and Turkey. The many deficiencies in the Greek asylum system are exacerbated by the pressure of tens of thousands of people awaiting asylum hearings. Reception facilities for new arrivals, including asylum-seekers, are woefully inadequate. Last year, UNHCR visited a number of overcrowded facilities where children, men and women were detained in cramped rooms with insufficient facilities. UNHCR is working with the Greek government to improve its asylum system and has called upon other European states to offer support.

Beyond the Border

Crisis in Iraq: Displacement

UNHCR and its partners estimate that out of a total population of 26 million, some 1.9 million Iraqis are currently displaced internally and more than 2 million others have fled to nearby countries. While many people were displaced before 2003, increasing numbers of Iraqis are now fleeing escalating sectarian, ethnic and general violence. Since January 2006, UNHCR estimates that more than 800,000 Iraqis have been uprooted and that 40,000 to 50,000 continue to flee their homes every month. UNHCR anticipates there will be approximately 2.3 million internally displaced people within Iraq by the end of 2007. The refugee agency and its partners have provided emergency assistance, shelter and legal aid to displaced Iraqis where security has allowed.

In January 2007, UNHCR launched an initial appeal for US$60 million to fund its Iraq programme. Despite security issues for humanitarian workers inside the country, UNHCR and partners hope to continue helping up to 250,000 of the most vulnerable internally displaced Iraqis and their host communities

Posted on 12 June 2007

Crisis in Iraq: Displacement

Muazzez Ersoy

Muazzez Ersoy

Iraq: A Home for a Syrian FamilyPlay video

Iraq: A Home for a Syrian Family

Kava and his family arrive at Domiz camp in northern Iraq, traumatized by the conflict in Syria. With the help of UNHCR and its partners, his family has found shelter and a glimmer of hope.
Turkey: Urban Refugees from SyriaPlay video

Turkey: Urban Refugees from Syria

The Turkish government has built nearly 20 camps for Syrian refugees, yet more and more of them are settling in urban areas.
Turkey: Special NeedsPlay video

Turkey: Special Needs

A Syrian father flees to Turkey with his family to ensure that his son, who lives with disability, gets the care he needs.