“We will never compromise the preservation of our demographic structure”
In a speech unveiling “Türkiye’s Migration Management Model in the Century of Türkiye”, President Erdoğan said: “We will never compromise our country’s security and the preservation of our demographic structure.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at an event unveiling “Türkiye’s Migration Management Model in the Century of Türkiye” in Istanbul.
“OVER 72 THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE DIED ALONG MIGRATION ROUTES IN THE LAST DECADE”
President Erdoğan said: “The migration issue occupies the global agenda as a global concept particularly in recent years. Every year millions of people are forced to leave their birthplaces due to problems prompted by wars, instabilities, terror, poverty and climate change. The UN International Organization for Migration data reveal that there are over 281 million migrants worldwide. The number of migrant workers has exceeded 165 million, with refugees numbering nearly 120 million due to the wars in recent years.”
President Erdoğan went on: “We at times witness scenes that deeply shake us as human beings. Almost every day we receive news about an accident or a disaster that results in the death of asylum seekers. Do not forget the migrants who died because their dinghies were pierced. We have stood witness to such incidents. These were done mercilessly. Over 72 thousand people have died along migration routes in the last decade.”
“Although it is mainly the Western powers’ policies that force people to migrate, you do not see any of them when it comes to sharing the burden,” stressed President Erdoğan. “75 out of every 100 refugees are hosted by low- and middle-income countries, not by rich countries. As you know, a large majority of those fleeing the oppressing in Syria took refuge in neighboring countries. Likewise, a significant portion of the 11 million Sudanese displaced by the civil war have emigrated to neighboring countries. From the massacres in Myanmar to the civil wars in Central Africa, we witness the same situation everywhere. In other words, while countries with limited resources shoulder a burden way beyond their capacities, Western countries just cry out or use the few hundred refugees they take in and humanitarian tragedies as an advertising material.”
“THROUGHOUT HISTORY, ANATOLIA HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HOME FOR REFUGEES”
Noting that Anatolia has always been a home for refugees throughout history, President Erdoğan stated: “All the innocents suffering from oppression and violence in their regions have always considered Anatolia and the lands of Türkiye to be a safe harbor. From the Jews fleeing the Inquisition to the Christians in Eastern Europe, from our Muslim brothers and sisters in Caucasus and the Balkans to those escaping the Nazi persecution, everyone has knocked on the door of our country and our nation. Today as well, whoever gets in trouble in our region first turns to Türkiye as a safe harbor.”
President Erdoğan stated: “We have begun to see the positive outcomes of the humanitarian and conscientious policies which we have been firmly implementing for years regarding migration. In Syria, 13.5 years of oppression and conflicts have come to an end as of December 8. While the Assad regime was overthrown, a new administration that represents the Syrian people’s freedom has come to power. This administration is now working to get this war-torn country back on its feet with the help of Türkiye and other brotherly countries in the region. Syria is gradually recovering despite all the challenges, obstacles and sabotages. As Syria recovers and consolidates its climate of stability and security, more and more people are returning home as well.”
“We will not allow any stain on our impeccable record. I would like to reiterate that we will not permit hate speech, lumpen fascism, racist vandalism and provocations. We are dedicated to not tolerating inhumane behaviors, including the ill-treatment of immigrants that we often witness in Western countries,” underscored President Erdoğan. “We will never compromise our country’s security and the preservation of our demographic structure. However, we will not allow the constant fearmongering and hateful rhetoric of a handful of racist and lumpen figures to dominate Türkiye, either.”
