What You Need to Know
• Şafak Bozkurt, chair of the Van Bar Association Human Rights Centre, reported cases of hypothermia among migrants.
• Afghan migrants have faced increased border surveillance since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.
• The Turkish foreign ministry stated that allegations of ill-treatment and push-backs are unfounded and misrepresent Turkey’s migration efforts.
Şafak Bozkurt, chair of the Van Bar Association Human Rights Centre Migration and Asylum Commission, reported that Afghan migrants have experienced push-backs and hypothermia cases in the region. Since the Taliban regained power in Kabul in 2021, activists like Zakira Hikmat have noted that heightened border surveillance in Turkey has forced migrants onto perilous routes. Mahmout Keçen, another migrant-rights activist, highlighted the treacherous mountain crossings that Afghan migrants must navigate under harsh weather conditions. The Turkish foreign ministry responded to these allegations, asserting that they are unfounded and misrepresent Turkey’s successful management of irregular migration, which has reportedly halted flows towards the European Union.
Why It Matters
The situation of Afghan migrants in Turkey is significant due to the geopolitical implications of migration routes and the humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, many Afghans have sought refuge in Turkey, leading to increased scrutiny of border policies and treatment of migrants. The Turkish government’s stance on migration management reflects its broader strategy to balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations, impacting both regional stability and international relations.
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