The report begins by noting that the needs of people and communities in both countries continue to grow in the aftermath of the earthquakes, while in Syria, political assessments and logistical difficulties are slowing and preventing relief efforts.
"Human rights cannot be suspended in such crises and coordinated efforts should be made to improve and protect the human rights of all." State commitments were also urged.
State should not arbitrarily seize aid funds and materials
The assessment stressed that the state should not target any group that collects relief funds and/or disaster relief in accordance with the law and should not discriminate against them and arbitrarily seize those relief funds and materials.
The ban on Twitter and Tik Tok on February 8 was described as a setback to search and rescue efforts. It was not necessary and proportionate to achieve the state's legitimate purpose, it was stressed.
"That purpose should be to facilitate access to life-saving technologies. Since the authorities are uncomfortable with criticism of crisis management, access to these technologies cannot be assessed within the legitimate purpose."
The underlined titles in the report are as follows;
- The principle of non-discrimination, which is a fundamental principle, should be part of all disaster prevention, intervention, relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts from the outset.
- Since the beginning of the crisis, both in Turkey and Syria, more compliant rescue plans were needed and there were serious deficiencies in the response organization, including the prevention of numerous deaths.
- Survivors of humanitarian disasters have the right to accessible and accurate information in a language they understand, in a timely manner, and without discrimination. Providing this information can prevent further loss of life.
- People and communities affected by a disaster should be meaningfully involved and have a voice in all decisions/strategies to identify their needs, including opportunities for self-help and mutual support among communities.
- Everyone who survives should have the opportunity to stay in hotels, dormitories, hostels, and other shelters for earthquake victims. People in the affected areas should be able to leave the region and seek shelter and humanitarian assistance in other cities.
- Displaced people should be assisted without discrimination to make voluntary and informed decisions about their future without having their citizenship or residency status revoked.
- Turkey should not participate in scapegoating refugees and should not tolerate similar abuses committed by others against refugees. In addition to the obligation to avoid discrimination, government officials have a general affirmative obligation to protect the human rights of people and groups that are also on a non-discriminatory basis in the administration of justice.
You can read the entire assessment here.