Page 136 - Syrians in Türkiye - Special Report

GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TÜRKİYE THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION

For example, the Turkish Coast Guard Command staff has to keep the migrants they
rescue from the sea during the night until they are turned over in the morning. Hence,
they cannot perform their primary duties such as sea surveillance and patrolling.

Additionally, since the Turkish Coast Guard Command does not have large enough
facilities on land, irregular migrants are kept at the Coastal Support Facilities, which
are built for the needs of the boat staff. These facilities are inadequate to meet the needs
of the detainees; for instance, they usually do not have toilets for women. Because the
facilities are not large enough, the migrants are often kept in an open area. Problems
supplying accommodation and food can occur due to seasonal weather conditions.
Besides that, difficulties in keeping these people under control occur when the number
of migrants increases. In addition, there are not enough land vehicles to meet the needs,
and Turkish Coast Guard Command staff face difficulties in housing foreigners due to
physical impossibilities.

Similarly, the staff of the Gendarmerie General Command may face similar problems
in terms of guarding migrants who are caught by the Turkish Coast Guard Command
personnel during the transportation process to the places which are designated by the
Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. In addition, we learned that all law
enforcement personnel face language barriers during the registration and transportation
process.

Within the context of all of these issues listed above, it might be beneficial to increase
the number of personnel employed in the local police force proportionally to the
number of foreigners being processed and to establish a Gendarmerie unit specialized
in services for foreigners.

It is important to raise awareness about the Turkish Coast Guard Command needs
in order to provide support for operations on land against illegal migration. Ensuring
necessary measures are taken promptly with the coordination between all the law
enforcement personnel is a necessity. Increasing the number of shelters or outposts for
women and disabled persons in order to facilitate the functions of law enforcement
personnel, especially for the Gendarmerie and Turkish Coast Guard Commands has
significant importance. If necessary, places such as the Primary District Boarding
School (YİBO) can be designated for these foreigners. Providing personnel for the
Coast Guard Stations opened for the first time this year is also necessary. Assigning a
sufficient number of interpreters to assist all law enforcement personnel involved in the
first registration and dispatch of foreigners is also essential.

136 SYRIANS IN TÜRKİYE SPECIAL REPORT