NEWS CENTER – On World Refugee Day, while DEM Party called for the termination of the Readmission Agreement and the closure of Removal Centers, The Amed Bar Association criticized Turkey’s migration policies for conflicting with international obligations, stating, “Refugee rights must not be subject to bargaining; hate speech and forced Removals must end.”
The People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Migration and Refugee Commission Co-Spokespersons Özgül Saki and Murad Mıhçı and The Amed Bar Association Human Rights Center Migration and Asylum Commission issued a press release on June 20, World Refugee Day made statements addressing migrants' hardships.
DEM Party highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis caused by wars, political oppression, exploitation policies, and ecological destruction, forcing millions to be displaced worldwide. Despite this, millions of migrants and refugees in Turkey live under harsh conditions, largely unprotected, stateless, and subject to exclusion and discrimination. Migrant labour is systematically exploited, with widespread informal, low-wage work, workplace accidents, union-busting, and wage theft. Racism, hate speech, and lynch campaigns are escalating.
The statement condemned ill-treatment in Removal Centers, noting arbitrary deportations and intimidation through “restriction codes” have become common unlawful practices. Migrant women face compounded discrimination and vulnerability to gendered and racial violence, while LGBTQ+ migrants experience multiple layers of discrimination. Migrant children are deprived of education and targeted by child labour and abuse.
DEMANDS
The statement called for:
“*Recognizing migrants as equal social subjects, not ‘temporary guests.’
*Annulment of the Readmission Agreement and removal of geographical reservations from the Geneva Convention; an end to Europe’s migration bargaining.
*Granting all migrants status and access to fundamental rights; ending exploitation of migrant labour.
*Closing Removal Centers, abolishing arbitrary restriction codes, and halting deportations.
*Ensuring preparations for new migration waves respect human rights and social peace.
*A call for solidarity and joint struggle for a world free of borders, classes, and exploitation.”
The Amed (Diyarbakır) Bar Association Human Rights Center Migration and Asylum Commission Chair Ahmet Mulla Muhammed highlighted that the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has reached 122.1 million.
Muhammed emphasized that refugees are not mere statistics but real stories testing human dignity. He recalled that refugee status, which guarantees access to international protection, is clearly defined by the 1951 Geneva Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
Referencing UNHCR data, Muhammed said the 122.1 million displaced persons affect not only border countries but all humanity, calling for greater global solidarity and legal responsibility.
CRITICISM OF TURKEY’S MIGRATION POLICIES
Muhammed cited official data showing over 2.6 million Syrians under Temporary Protection, 9,000 under International Protection, and over 1.1 million with residence permits in Turkey as of mid-2025. He noted that independent reports indicate actual migrant numbers exceed official figures.
He criticized Turkey’s policies as politicizing migration, increasing hate speech, and systematically targeting asylum seekers. Muhammed stressed that economic and social crises should not be blamed on refugees.
Highlighting serious issues accessing shelter, health, education, and work rights, Muhammed condemned inhumane conditions in Removal Centers and Temporary Accommodation Sites. He challenged government claims of 273,000 Removals to Syria, stating independent studies show many Removals are involuntary.
Emphasizing the absence of lasting peace in Syria, Muhammed asserted forced Removals violate international law and the non-refoulement principle.
WARNING OF MIGRATION WAVE FROM IRAN
Muhammed pointed to ongoing Iran-Israel tensions and warned of a possible new migration wave from Iran to Turkey, urging immediate preparations by Turkey and international bodies.
The commission concluded with calls for:
“*Ensuring refugees’ dignified living conditions.
*International action to end wars in Syria, Palestine, Iran, and elsewhere.
*Ending bargaining over refugee rights, hate speech, and forced Removals.”
A detailed report was announced to be published on the Bar Association’s website.