Turkey at all periods was repulsed from the principles of humanism and good neighborliness, playing for a safe, voluntary and worthy return of refugees to its countries. Ankara today implements the relevant projects in this direction. This is stated in the appeal of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in connection with World Refugees Day – June 20.
The Head of State noted that in various parts of the world, in particular, in the region where Turkey is located, people suffer from manifestations of terrorism, conflicts, civil confrontation, hunger and deficiency, which forces them to leave their homes. “To date, the number of people who have left their homes in the world is approaching 110 million people, of which 35.3 million have refugee status, and 62.5 million are internally displaced persons,” the Turkish leader stated.
Erdogan called illegal migration and refugee flows “a global challenge.” “Our position on illegal migration and refugees is aimed not only at ensuring the national security of Turkey, but also to protect the life and dignity of people. Our people opened doors for centuries for all who have fled from oppression. The same attitude was manifested in response to crises in the region : from Syria to Ukraine, ”the politician emphasized
He noted that Turkey and its people decisively reject any propaganda of hatred, the ideology of neo -Nazism, xenophobia and enmity to Muslims, who seem to be “poisonous ivy” from Western countries to other societies. “These senile movements reject the rights of other nations, cultures and religions, being a threat to the values of humanism and a joint future of humanity,” the president emphasized.
At the same time, he attracted attention to the fact that the Mediterranean region, which throughout history is considered the “cradle of cultures”, has now become a “huge cemetery of refugees.” “The reason for this is in many respects an arrogant worldview, the roots of which go during colonialism,” said Erdogan, recalling the tragedy that played in the last vest in the Aegean, where hundreds of migrants, most of whom were drowned.
The Turkish President called on the international community to take responsibility on this issue. “In particular, this applies to countries that are trying to teach all human rights and democracy. The issue of refugees can be resolved subject to the elimination of reasons forcing people to leave their homes,” Erdogan is sure.
He noted the significance of the successful implementation of the global refugee agreement of December 2018, the active contribution to the development of which was made by Turkey.