As concerned global citizens we want draw your attention to the dire situation faced by Iranian asylum seekers and Iranian political activists in Turkey. There is a troubling trend of Iranian asylum seekers including political activists being denied asylum in Turkey and subsequently being relocated to deportation camps or even being deported back to Iran, where they are exposed to the risk of imprisonment, torture, and even execution by the Islamic Republic authorities.

In particular, we would like to highlight the case of Shahriar Baratinia, a Lor Ethnic former political prisoner, who was desperately seeking refuge in Turkey due to the grave threats he faced in his home country. Despite his genuine need for protection, Mr. Baratinia was denied asylum by the Turkish government and was subsequently deported back to Iran. Shahriar is now detained in notorious Evin prison in Tehran, Iran. This act has placed his life in grave danger, as the Islamic Republic in Iran is internationally recognised for its numerous human rights abuses against religious and ethnic minorities, political dissidents, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.

The Islamic Republic's record of violating human rights and suppressing any form of dissent is well-documented. Returning Iranian asylum seekrs to such perilous conditions is a grave violation of their fundamental rights and exposes them to the very real risk of facing torture, indefinite imprisonment, and even execution. We firmly believe that every individual deserves the right to seek asylum and to be protected from persecution based on their political beliefs, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

We, the undersigned, earnestly urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to intervene in this matter and work closely with the Government of Turkey to put an immediate halt to the deportation of Iranian political activists back to Iran. We implore the Turkish government to honour its commitment to international human rights law and uphold the principles of non-refoulement, ensuring that asylum seekers are not returned to a country where their lives and safety are in jeopardy.

Furthermore, we call upon the Government of Turkey to reconsider its policies and actions regarding asylum seekers, taking into account the life-threatening circumstances many of these individuals are fleeing. By providing a safe haven for those escaping persecution, Turkey can uphold its humanitarian values and contribute to the global effort to protect vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.

We believe that our collective efforts can make a difference in safeguarding the lives of those at risk and upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and human rights. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.