Seeking a “Better Life” in Turkey: Afghan Refugees’ International Human Rights Condition in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey hosts the vast majority, more than four million, of refugees in the world, and Afghans make up the second-largest group of this population. Turkey is considered both a transit, a gate toward European countries, and a destination country for refugees due to its geographical position. Nevertheless, the majority of asylum seekers in Turkey are Syrian who have moved into since 2011. The author claims that Turkey and international refugee supporters prefer Syrian refugees’ legal protection, which causes Afghans to suffer massive violations of basic human rights during their journey to Turkey, after arrival, and while seeking refugee status in Turkey. This paper considers current condition of Afghan asylum seekers’ international human rights in Turkey who are waiting for their final destination toward European countries. Similarly, this paper highlights the possible consequences of current strategies’ application on Afghan refugees’ human rights conditions based on UNHCR's most recent system. The author includes practical recommendations and suggestions for international society as well as Turkey to enhance the human rights condition of refugees, especially Afghans, since this concept requires global cooperation rather than only Turkey’s efforts.