RASC News Agency: Turkish media have reported the detention of 30 Afghanistani refugees in various cities across the country as part of an ongoing crackdown by local authorities. Police in the city of Bitlis apprehended 24 undocumented Afghanistani migrants on Tuesday, January 8, according to reports. In separate operations, police in Sivas and Balıkesir detained six Afghanistani refugees, transferring them to deportation facilities. Meanwhile, law enforcement in Edirne arrested 15 refugees of Afghanistani and Pakistani origin; however, the exact number of Afghanistani nationals among them remains unclear.
Turkey has ramped up efforts to detain and deport Afghanistani migrants in recent months. The Ministry of Interior previously disclosed that over the past year, 141,187 undocumented refugees were apprehended and deported. The treatment of Afghanistani refugees in Turkey has sparked widespread criticism. Reports highlight instances of mistreatment and harsh behavior by Turkish authorities. Despite hosting approximately 400,000 Afghanistani refugees many of whom are former officials, entrepreneurs, and investors who have collectively contributed billions of dollars to the Turkish economy the government has adopted increasingly stringent policies toward undocumented migrants. This approach stands in stark contrast to Turkey’s self-proclaimed role as a champion of Muslim rights globally, as it fails to extend compassion to fellow Muslim refugees escaping the Taliban’s brutality.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan has witnessed a mass exodus of over 10 million citizens, fleeing systemic oppression, poverty, and unemployment. Most have sought refuge in neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, exacerbating an already dire regional refugee crisis and straining available resources. Observers have urged Turkey to adopt a more humane approach, reminding the international community of its moral and legal obligations toward those fleeing persecution and conflict. As the plight of Afghanistani refugees continues to worsen, the global response remains inadequate to address the profound challenges faced by displaced populations.
