Page 170 - Syrians in Türkiye - Special Report

GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TÜRKİYE THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION

solution. According to the general provisions of the Citizenship Law No. 5901, it is
not possible for Syrians under temporary protection to be naturalized. However, efforts
are being carried out to facilitate the exceptional naturalization of some people in
Türkiye under temporary protection status who have a particular profession or level
of education. However, the status of these people can be changed from temporary
protection into a long-term residence permit, and this process can be supported with
a Turkuaz Card. Some of the Syrians, especially those working in universities, say that
they prefer residency rather than citizenship because citizenship also brings the risks
of the elimination of some “positive discrimination” possibilities that Syrian academics
have and the risk of unemployment. This problem is particularly important for Syrians
who work or want to work in universities.

◊ Media for Syrians

Refugees and migrants seek to follow their customs and traditions and developments
in their own countries while living abroad. This can be also observed among Turkish
migrants and refugees who have been living abroad over the last 50 years. In this respect,
it is necessary to expand the broadcasting and content of Arabic radio stations and
TV channels which are currently being opened under the leadership of TRT (Turkish
Radio and Television) for accurate and reliable information. This has great importance
for ensuring the attachment and integration of Syrians in Türkiye.

On the other hand, formal information activities that will allow society to access reliable and
accurate news and prevent inaccurate news and prejudicial attitudes and behaviors about
Syrians in Türkiye, especially social media posts that are provocative and transmit hate speech.

Our historical national tradition makes it possible for individuals living in these lands
to continue their lives in peace and well-being, and it is a historic responsibility for our
countrymen to act in a prudent manner and not to listen to misleading news, commentary,
or social media posts about Syrians. On the other hand, considering the sacrifices of the
public institutions and the public for the Syrians who took refuge in our country due to
the events in Syria, the media organizations should consider these sacrificial efforts in the
news and interpretations about Syrians; this will make a very important and constructive
contribution to the Syrian people’s social integration.
XV. RELATIONS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Beginning with the first days of internal conflicts in Syria, the international community
has drawn attention to the humanitarian consequences of the crisis and carried
out humanitarian aid activities for Syrians through international NGOs and other

170 SYRIANS IN TÜRKİYE SPECIAL REPORT