Reports and Legal Opinion Papers

On November 10-11, 2023, we organized the ‘National Workshop on Access to Justice for Refugee and Migrant Women in Türkiye’ in Istanbul, with the participation of representatives from civil society organizations from different regions of Türkiye. During the workshop, participants shared their observations on the rights violations faced by refugee and migrant women in Türkiye. In this report, we aim to compile the challenges of access to justice for refugee and migrant women in Türkiye by bringing together our observations and the issues raised by the workshop participants through the services provided by the Refugee Rights Türkiye. Download Report

With the ‘Family Reunification’ report, we aim to analyze the opportunities and practices of family reunification in Türkiye, which hosts the world’s largest refugee population. Through this analysis, we seek to present a series of important observations and lessons learned, highlight the complexities involved in supporting family reunification cases, and shed light on opportunities to improve the protection provided and reduce barriers to accessing the right to family reunification. Download report

This report explores the role and potential of pro bono legal partnerships in enhancing refugees’ access to justice and protection mechanisms in Türkiye. It examines existing gaps in legal aid systems and highlights how structured cooperation between bar associations, law firms, NGOs, and legal clinics can contribute to closing those gaps. Drawing on international best practices and local experiences, the publication offers strategic recommendations to foster sustainable pro bono engagement and strengthen rights-based support for refugees in need of legal assistance.

This report examines the structural and practical barriers faced by asylum seekers and migrants in Türkiye in accessing state-funded legal aid services. It provides an in-depth analysis of the legal framework, implementation challenges, and the varying practices across provinces. The publication highlights gaps in awareness, language support, and procedural clarity, which often hinder effective access to justice. It also outlines actionable recommendations to improve coordination among stakeholders, enhance capacity building, and ensure equitable access to legal aid mechanisms for all individuals regardless of their legal status.

This policy paper analyzes the persistent legal and practical obstacles that asylum seekers and migrants in Türkiye face when attempting to grant power of attorney to lawyers. Despite the emergence of favorable judicial decisions, implementation remains inconsistent across jurisdictions. The publication highlights how administrative and procedural barriers—such as identity verification issues, notary access limitations, and inconsistent institutional practices—continue to undermine effective access to legal representation. It calls for harmonization with established case law, broader institutional awareness, and policy reforms to uphold the right to legal assistance and access to justice.

This report sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and protection needs of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Türkiye, based on their own accounts. Through direct interviews and field observations, the publication explores key issues such as access to guardianship, education, shelter, and legal representation. It highlights systemic shortcomings in identifying and responding to the specific vulnerabilities of unaccompanied minors and provides recommendations for strengthening child-sensitive procedures and ensuring compliance with international child protection standards.

This policy brief examines the legal basis, implementation, and human rights implications of the “implicit withdrawal” practice applied to international protection applications in Türkiye. It analyzes how non-compliance with procedural obligations—such as missing interviews or failing to report—can lead to applications being considered withdrawn without an explicit request by the applicant. The publication highlights two key concerns: the requirement to appeal withdrawal decisions before reapplying, and the premature confiscation of identity documents. It calls for a rights-based review of current practices to ensure procedural fairness and protection guarantees for asylum seekers in line with national and international standards.

This report evaluates the adequacy of judicial oversight concerning conditions in immigration detention centers in Türkiye, following recent legal reforms. Despite legislative advancements, the publication reveals that individuals held in administrative detention often face limited access to effective remedies and suffer from substandard living conditions. The report underscores the absence of regular, independent monitoring and insufficient judicial scrutiny of detention conditions. It advocates for strengthened procedural safeguards, enhanced transparency, and the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with human rights standards and prevent arbitrary or inhumane detention practices.

This briefing note examines the procedural and structural challenges asylum seekers in Türkiye face when notarizing powers of attorney, a crucial step for accessing legal representation. It highlights obstacles such as the refusal of notaries to accept alternative identity documents, language barriers, and the lack of clear administrative guidance. These issues often result in restricted access to justice and undermine the right to legal assistance. The publication offers concrete recommendations aimed at harmonizing practice with legal guarantees and ensuring that asylum seekers can effectively authorize legal counsel.

This report explores the specific security risks and protection gaps experienced by LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees in Türkiye. It documents incidents of discrimination, harassment, and violence faced by LGBT+ individuals in both public and private spaces—including within shelters and accommodation facilities. The publication highlights the lack of inclusive policies and the limited accessibility of complaint and protection mechanisms. It calls for targeted measures to ensure safe housing, non-discriminatory services, and the effective implementation of protection protocols in line with international human rights obligations.