Syrians in Türkiye remain committed to return to their homeland: NGOs

By Mucahit Türetken

ISTANBUL (AA) - Syrians who fled the war in their country and took refuge in Türkiye remain committed to exercising their right to return to their homeland when the necessary humanitarian, security and political conditions are met, said a joint statement by numerous NGOs on Tuesday.

More than 200 organizations attended a meeting organized by the Federation of International Non-governmental Organizations at a hotel in Istanbul, and the joint statement was read by head of the Syrian Unions Network Salih Akide.

Akide underlined that Türkiye welcomed more than 3.6 million Syrians with open arms since the civil war began in 2011, and that they have been subject to the law on foreigners and temporary protection regulation since 2014.

Akide stressed that some political circles have recently begun to use the presence of Syrians as a propaganda tool ahead of the upcoming elections slated for June 2023.

He said that false information about Syrian refugees in Türkiye started to spread, and this situation has led to an increase in tension and resentment among the people against foreigners in general and Syrians in particular.

Akide also recalled that the Turkish government ensured the safe return of 500,000 Syrians to their homeland and that a fresh project was launched for a voluntary return of up to a million Syrians to their home country.

He said that the Syrian people do not get involved in the internal affairs of Türkiye ever since their arrival and that their presence in the country should not be used in politics and the matter should be handled in line with the Turkish culture of hospitality.

Stating that as non-governmental organizations, they advocate the creation of a sustainable environment in Syria in terms of security, economy, and justice, Akide said that they support all efforts for the permanent return of refugees to Syria, in case a political solution is reached that will guarantee the safety of life and property.

He called on the international community to assume its responsibilities and take part in efforts to resolve the issue that has displaced millions of Syrians.

Muhammed Akta, head of the International Federation of Non-governmental Organizations, said the recently conducted research revealed that 80% of the Syrians in Türkiye want to return to their homeland.

More than 3.7 million Syrians currently reside in Türkiye, making it the world's top refugee-hosting country. Following the start of a bloody civil war in Syria, Türkiye adopted an "open-door" policy for Syrians fleeing persecution and brutality.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas in Ankara