Turkey deported 200 Eritrean refugees forced back to Eritrea and needs to halt
Turkey’s Deportation of Eritrean Refugees: A Violation of Human Rights
In recent events, Turkey has forcibly deported around 200 Eritrean refugees back to Eritrea. This action has raised serious concerns among human rights experts and organizations. Here are the key points:
- Prohibited Collective Expulsions: Under international law, collective expulsions are strictly prohibited. Deporting migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers without conducting an individual risk assessment violates the principle of non-refoulement. This principle ensures protection against expulsion, regardless of nationality or migration status.
- Targeting Eritreans: The authorities’ specific targeting of Eritreans constitutes discrimination. Hundreds of Eritreans faced summary deportations without proper assessment of their exposure to human rights violations upon return.
- Family Separation: Following these mass deportations, cases of family separation have been reported. Parents were forced back to Eritrea,
- Rights Violations: Eritreans forcibly deported face serious risks, including torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance, trafficking, and arbitrary detention. The Eritrean authorities must provide information on their fate and whereabouts.
- Call for Action: UN-appointed experts urge Turkey to halt these deportations and ensure the protection of forcibly deported individuals.
Categorically discriminating among Christians and Muslims. 200 Christians were deported forced by Turkey authorities. Harshesh treatments to the Christians refugees while give better preference to the Muslims. Only the Christians were deported by force. The deportees are unknown whereabout in Eritrea.
Taking legal action against a country for deporting refugees is complex and typically involves international human rights laws and treaties. Here are some potential steps:
International Organizations: Organizations like the United Nations (UN) and its agencies, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), can intervene and investigate potential violations of international law.
Human Rights Courts: Cases can be brought before international courts, such as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), if the country in question is a member.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs can provide legal assistance, advocate for the refugees’ rights, and bring attention to the issue.
National Courts: In some cases, national courts in other countries may have jurisdiction to hear cases involving human rights violations.
The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom, is a key aspect of international refugee law. Deporting migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers without conducting an individual and objective risk assessment of their exposure to human rights violations, including torture and enforced disappearance, upon return is refoulement.
Legal action needs to be taken for deported Eritrean refugees forced back to Eritrea by Turkey. Here are some possible steps:
1. International Human Rights Law: File a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Council or the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, alleging violations of international human rights law, including the right to seek asylum and protection from refoulement (forced return to a country where they face persecution).
2. European Court of Human Rights: If the refugees were deported from Turkey to Eritrea, you can file an application with the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that Turkey violated the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Article 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment) and Article 4 (prohibition of collective expulsion).
3. National Courts: Pursue legal action in Turkish courts, arguing that the deportations violated Turkish law and international law obligations.
4. International Criminal Court: If the deportations resulted in persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations, you could file a complaint with the International Criminal Court, alleging crimes against humanity or war crimes.
5. Advocacy and Campaigning: Collaborate with human rights organizations, advocacy groups, and media outlets to raise awareness about the deportations and pressure Turkey to respect the rights of Eritrean refugees.
It’s essential to consult with legal experts and human rights organizations to determine the best course of action and ensure that the legal process is followed correctly. Additionally, consider the safety and well-being of the deported refugees and ensure that any legal action taken prioritizes their protection.
Here are some additional steps and considerations:
1. Document evidence: Collect testimonies, documents, and other evidence from the deported refugees to build a strong case.
2. Collaborate with NGOs: Partner with human rights organizations, refugee advocacy groups, and Eritrean diaspora communities to amplify the issue and gain support.
3. Engage with governments: Reach out to governments that have accepted Eritrean refugees and urge them to pressure Turkey to respect refugee rights.
4. Media outreach: Share the story with media outlets to raise awareness and publicize the issue.
5. Support refugee resettlement_: Advocate for the resettlement of deported refugees in safe countries.
Considerations:
Safety and protection: Ensure that legal action does not put the deported refugees at greater risk.
Turkey’s international obligations_: Emphasize Turkey’s obligations under international law, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and EU-Turkey agreements.
Eritrea’s human rights record: Highlight Eritrea’s poor human rights record and the risks faced by returned refugees.
Legal representation: Seek expert legal representation to navigate complex international and national laws.
Remember to approach this situation with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the affected refugees.
Source: Facts Report: Arbitrary Detention and Forcible Deportation of Eritrean / UN/ hrw.org/ Europe’s Gatekeeper.