Amidst the rising refugee crisis in Turkey, the Turkish Occupation State deported more than 10,000 refugees and refused entry to another 20,000 in the first month of 2023 alone. Many of these deportations were done against the will of the refugees, with reports of physical and psychological pressure, torture and infiltration of propaganda.

The Turkish authorities have reportedly been targeting and arresting Syrian men, boys and journalists from public places, such as their homes and workplaces. Those arrested were beaten and abused, forced to sign voluntary return forms, taken to border crossing points and threatened with weapons. Furthermore, the organization Reporters Without Borders has raised serious concern for two Syrian journalists held in refugee camps in Turkey who are at risk of being sent back to Syria.

Human rights organizations report that Turkey’s actions are not just hostile, but also lead to demographic changes as most of the refugees being deported come from Syria