Country of origin information report Turkey March 2007

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SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
24.11 The Trafficking in Persons Report 2006 further noted:
“The Turkish Government improved protection for victims of trafficking over the last year. In October 2005, Ankara authorities renovated and opened a second trafficking shelter in the country. Local government officials continued to provide the rent and administrative costs for its shelter in Istanbul. Combined, both shelters reported assisting 134 victims in 2005. International organizations and NGOs reported repatriating a total of 220 victims in 2005, a significant increase from 62 in 2004. The government issued eight humanitarian visas to allow victims to stay in Turkey and receive government services, a decrease from 13 issued the previous year. The government continued to provide full medical assistance to victims of trafficking. Although the government has a screening and referral system in place, IOM reported 249 trafficking victims were identified outside Turkey after their likely deportation in 2005. Notably, the Ministry of Interior is investigating IOM’s claims that some victims of trafficking are not provided with legal alternatives to their removal to countries where they face hardship or retribution.” [5d] (Country narratives – Turkey)
24.12 As recorded on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs last updated on 16 September 2005:
“157 the toll free, tip-off number/emergency helpline for the victims of trafficking, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, accessible throughout Turkey including mobile phones will be operational soon. A shelter in Istanbul has been established for the victims of trafficking. Victims can benefit from this service free of charge.” [60c]
24.13 As recorded on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs last updated 16 September 2005:
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for national coordination of issues related to Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) in Turkey. The National Task Force has prepared an ‘Action Plan on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings’ which was approved by the Prime Ministry. In accordance with this Action Plan, under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a shelter in Istanbul is established for the victims. A protocol regarding the shelter was signed between Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Human Resources Development Foundation (HRDF) during the NATO Summit in June 2004, with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul and former Secretary of State of the USA Colin Powell. Establishment of shelters in Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Adana / Mersin is also planned.” [60d]
24.14 The same website also noted that:
“In order to inform the foreigners visiting Turkey regarding THB issue, leaflets including necessary info and helpline number ‘157’ have been designed, within the framework of the project aiming to assist victims of trafficking which has a budget of 700.000 USD. These inserts will be distributed at the border gates, primarily Istanbul Ataturk and Antalya Airports. In conjunction with this project that is realized in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there will be spot programs in Turkish national TV Channel TRT. Furthermore, trainings for law enforcement officials are also planned in this context. Within the framework of the National Action Plan, financial support from the Social Aid and Solidarity Fund is available for the victims of trafficking.” [60d]
24.15 A Country profile by Migration Research. Com dated April 2006 stated on the topic of human smuggling and trafficking that:
“Turkey has made some significant legislative changes in an effort to combat human smuggling and trafficking. First, it has amended its penal code to reflect the UN’s Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo Convention) and its two protocols related to human smuggling and trafficking. Migrant smugglers now face penalties of three to eight years’ imprisonment and a judicial fine, a penalty that increases by half if the perpetrators are acting as

an organisation. The new penal code also provides an official definition of

trafficking and a punishment of eight to ten years’ imprisonment and judicial

fine for the offense. The Ministry of Health has ordered the provision of free medical treatment at state-owned hospitals for individuals who have been identified as victims of human trafficking. Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior now allows authorities to issue humanitarian visas and temporary residence permits for up to 6 months to those victims of human trafficking who wish to stay

in Turkey for rehabilitation and treatment.” [19] (p6)
Training activities
24.16 The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that:
“In 2004, 516 police officers, 266 gendarmerie personnel, 164 judges and prosecutors have received training on counter trafficking. Combating trafficking in human beings is also included in the curriculum of the Gendarmerie Schools.” [60d]