RACISM AND THE LEFT
Türkçe English Deutsch Italiano Français Ελληνικά Kurdî Español RACISM AND THE LEFT I don't know about other continents, but in European countries left-wing organisations defend refugees and migrants. They oppose the toughening of the Aliens Law and criticise the deportation of refugees. In a previous article I talked about the divided political identity of migrants from Turkey, who generally support left-wing parties in their countries of origin and right-wing parties in Turkey. They support left-wing parties in their country of residence because they defend migrants' rights better. Leftist organisations in Turkey have a similar situation regarding refugees. They oppose racism in the countries they live in. They hold meetings and organise concerts for this purpose. In Turkey, on the other hand, they do not oppose racism, which is constantly provoked especially against Syrians and which reached its peak before Sunday's elections. Although there are some who do, their numbers are small. Leftist organisations in Turkey and in European countries are silent about racism against Syrians. They react when racism touches them, otherwise they are not interested. As far as I know, apart from the European Assembly of Exiles, no other statement condemning racism against Syrians has been published. There is no such example in any other country. The ruling party, the AKP, is not opposed to the use of Syrians as the cheapest labour force, to receiving funds from the European Union for these people. Turkey's Foreigners Police are particularly harsh on Syrians. But given the opposition parties' attitude of "we will send them all back as soon as possible", the ruling party's practices remain soft. The AKP is also in favour of sending back at least half of the Syrians, and this is being done, but the other half is needed as the cheapest labour. Syrian refugees, numbering at least three million, are still in the status of "guest" even though ten years have passed. There is no asylum law in Turkey. These people cannot even apply for asylum because there is no such law. The most important problem for refugees is to secure their position. The valid way to do this is to apply for asylum. Whether the asylum application is accepted or not is a separate issue. There is no such right in Turkey. For this reason, Syrians can be easily deported even though at least ten years have passed. Organisations defending refugee rights in the country have campaigned several times for an asylum law, but no one has been interested. Statements such as the brotherhood of workers and internationalism are just words. In practice, they are almost non-existent. Syrians make up a part of the labourers in the country. It is not known how many of them have died in work accidents. There is more: a not insignificant number of people in the country work illegally in home care services. These are usually from former socialist countries. The trade unions are not interested in Syrians or other illegal labour. The left primarily defends the working class! Don't make me laugh...
