Inlägg i Syrien-debatt

From the Debate

The stories go beyond words when I speak with refugees in Turkish Islahiye on the border with Syria. Getting rid of President Bashar al-Assad is now the overriding concern for these refugees. "We are fighting against Russian weapons and Iranian soldiers," said the refugees I met. This is believed to be the reason for al-Assad being able to remain in power for longer than expected.

 

Taboo and pain make the issue of sexual abuse of women during the war ing for some clear answers. What the refugees tell me is confirmed by Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro in a new UN report.

 

The situation in Syria has also served to polarise the domestic political situation in Turkey. A full sixty per cent of the ruling AKP party's voters are critical of both the Government's refugee policy and policy towards Syria. The opposition in Turkey has criticised the Government for opening up for war, not just against the Alawites in Damascus but also between the Shiites and Sunnis, through logistical support, but also support for military equipment. Some go so far as to say that there is an informal war between Syria and Turkey today. I urge the parties to show self-control and to support a resolution in the UN Security Council

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Overall, there may be 100 000 refugees from Syria in Turkey alone. This is a big commitment. But during my recent visit to the border with Syria, the Government received harsh criticism from human rights organisations. The Geneva Convention is not followed. Both organisations for human rights equality and Turkish parliamentarians were denied access to the camps. The camp I saw was more like a military camp. It is impossible to determine whether they are refugee camps, military training camps or camps with al-Assad deserters. The UNHCR has been criticised for taking political considerations rather than decisions based on its mission. Does Mr Bujar NISHANI consider that the camps are open and transparent and that conventions are followed?