Republic of Türkiye – Ministry of Interior (To the Presidency of Migration Management)
Subject: On Human Rights Violations and Arbitrary and Unlawful Deportation Practices Identified in Removal Centers
Based on various reports, Constitutional Court rulings, and information and documents derived from independent and open sources, it has been observed that serious human rights violations and systematic deficiencies in practice occur in Removal Centers (GGM) operating throughout Türkiye. The purpose of this petition is to bring these violations to the attention of public authorities and to request that the necessary measures and regulations be undertaken.
Below is a summary of the identified violations under main headings:
- Arbitrary and Unlawful Deportation Practices
Migrants admitted to Removal Centers for various reasons are often subjected to arbitrary deportations lacking clear and legal justification. - Psychological Pressure, Forced Signatures, Ill-Treatment and Degrading Practices
There are allegations that individuals are forced to sign “voluntary return” forms under pressure, that some Removal Centers employ an isolation practice referred to as the “refrigerator room,” and that detainees have been subjected to physical and psychological violence. - Lack of Transparency in Restriction Codes
Persons whose right of residence is terminated by the imposition of restriction codes are not informed of the reasons, nor are they provided with effective legal remedies. This constitutes a violation of legal certainty and the right to effective remedy. - Deficiencies in Hygiene, Cleanliness, and Healthcare Services
Frequent complaints include inadequate hygiene conditions in Removal Centers, failure to provide suitable living conditions for pregnant women, and severe obstacles to accessing healthcare services. The Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution (TİHEK) has also reported on these issues. - Problems Arising from the “Travel Permit” Requirement
Migrants wishing to travel, either out of necessity or otherwise, are restricted by the requirement to obtain a “Travel Permit.” This often results in many migrants being classified as “illegal” simply because they lack this document or its validity has expired. - Restricted Access to Lawyers and Lack of Interpreters
Reports indicate that lawyer visits are prevented during weekends, privacy conditions are not ensured, and individuals are forced to sign documents they cannot understand due to a lack of interpreters. This constitutes a violation of the right to a fair trial and the right to defense. - Grievances Arising from Identity and Registration Errors
As a result of address registration issues and the application of restriction codes, many migrants fall into an “unregistered” status due to systemic errors, leading to serious grievances. - Restrictions on Systems and Communication During Weekends
Because systems are shut down on weekends, detainees are unable to communicate with their families and lawyers. - Lack of Transparency and Publicly Available Data
The number of individuals held in Removal Centers, the reasons for their detention, and the duration of their detention are not made publicly available in a transparent and regular manner. This obstructs oversight mechanisms and the public’s right to access information. - Accessibility Issues Regarding Removal Centers
Removal Centers are generally located far from city centers and in areas inaccessible by public transport. This creates serious challenges for families, lawyers, and civil society representatives, hindering communication and legal assistance. - Arbitrary Detention Practices in Temporary Accommodation Centers
Some migrants are held in Temporary Accommodation Centers (GBM) for extended periods without any detention order or administrative custody decision. This amounts to deprivation of liberty without legal basis and is considered a violation of fundamental human rights. The absence of clear information on the duration of detention or the timing of release further deepens the grievance. - Automatic Deportation Orders Against Foreign Nationals
When an investigation is initiated against a foreign national, deportation orders are issued immediately without waiting for the investigation results, without regard to the nature of the alleged offense, and even in cases where the criminal court has ruled for release. This constitutes a violation of the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, and causes irreparable harm to foreign nationals and their families.
All of the practices listed above clearly contradict the following legal provisions:
- Turkish Constitution, Article 19: Deprivation of liberty is only possible by law and subject to judicial oversight.
- Constitution, Article 36: Everyone has the right to a fair trial and defense.
- Constitution, Article 40: Individuals whose rights have been violated by public officials have the right to an effective remedy.
- Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection: Deportation decisions must be notified, justified, and subject to effective appeal (Articles 53–57).
- European Convention on Human Rights (Articles 3 and 5): Prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, and protection of liberty and security.
- 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees: The principle of non-refoulement prohibits returning a person to a country where they face a serious risk of harm.
Accordingly, our requests are as follows:
- That the practices in Removal Centers be brought in line with human rights and the principle of the rule of law;
- That arbitrary and unlawful deportation practices be ended;
- That all deportation decisions be subject to judicial oversight, transparent, and duly reasoned;
- That conditions of communication, healthcare, access to lawyers, and hygiene be brought in line with minimum standards;
- That transparency and oversight mechanisms be strengthened;
- That Removal Centers be visited and monitored by a committee consisting of lawyers and representatives of civil society organizations, and that a report be prepared and made public;
- That minimum standards and uniformity of practice be ensured in all administrative procedures to prevent arbitrariness and safeguard legal certainty.
We respectfully submit this petition, requesting the urgent adoption of the necessary administrative and legal regulations, and the initiation of a transparent evaluation and monitoring process open to the public.
Respectfully,
Aliya Foundation (Aliya Vakfı)
