"Legal responsibility ignored"

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) published its report, based on the visit to the newly built refugee camp in Altınözü, Hatay on June 25. The camp hosts Syrians who fled the government crackdown on protesters.

Report describes the conditions of the camp area, guarded by uniformed soldiers, amount to "isolation". "The tent area is rounded by high fences, making it impossible to observe the situation in the camp. Media workers are not allowed to enter the camp site and take photos."

Other issues highlighted in the report are:
* The refugees are cut off from the environment. This is isolation. The asylum procedures exceeded the deadline. Their liberty is restricted. If the isolation continues, the refugees may go into trauma.

* No fear or anxiety symptoms resulting from experiencing violence were observed.

* Although the international definition of refugee is explicitly described, the public authorities insist on calling the Syrian refugees as "guests". By doing so, Turkey ignores the its international obligations and legal responsibilities.

* The settlement and its technical structure are well organized. However due to lengthy use of the tents and the hot weather, they may face health problems in a short time.

The report lists recommendations to the Syrian government and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

* It calls on the Syrian government for a democratic regime through amending legal and constitutional changes. There are serious barriers to freedom of expression and belief. For example, the Kurdish people, which consist of 5% of population, still do not have any ID cards. Their right to a citizenship is denied.

* UNHCR should facilitate the voluntary repatriation program for the refugees who wish to go back. If not, it should mobilize all its means to secure a healthier and humane living conditions for the Syrian refugees. (YY/ÖD)