“Deportation Order Givers Must Be Prosecuted”

Reminding the recent ECHR ruling, Turkey’s major human rights organizations urged authorities to launch investigations on those who deported refugees from Uzbekistan in 2008. 

A statement has been signed by the following organizations: Helsinki Citizens Association (HYD), Human Rights Association (IHD), Human Rights Agenda Association (IHGD), Humanitarian Aid Foundation (IHH), Mazlum - Der, Mülteci – Der and Amnesty Turkey. 

In 2008, 19 refugees with a majority of children from Uzbekistan has been reported to Iran by Turkish authorities. 

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found Turkey guilty of forcing to deport 19 refugees illegally in 2008. 

Turkey has been ordered to pay a sum of 193,350 euros for violating the Convention Article 3. 

“Recourse mechanism must be effectuated” 

In their joint statement, human rights associations urged authorities to launch recourse mechanisms on the responsible officers. 

“A new regulation in 2002 (Law 657 on State Workers) envisions recourse mechanisms for state workers in order to avoid torture and ill-treatment. However, the law is yet to be applied in practice. We believe that this human rights violation, which is also detected by ECHR, can be an example to avoid future abuses.”  

“New law must protect rights”

The statement also mentioned the upcoming law on “aliens and international protection” by April 2014, urging officials to take the necessary cautions and preparations within the newly established General Chamber on Immigration and its staff to respect human rights standards. (NV/BM)