Göç İzleme Derneği (GÖÇİZDER)
Göç İzleme Derneği (GÖÇİZDER) was established in Istanbul in 2016 with the aim of developing effective social solidarity among the masses of people subjected to migration in general and forced migration in particular, and to raise the demands of migration victims for a humane life. In line with this purpose, it aims to support internally displaced persons in their pursuit of justice, to make the fundamental rights violations caused by forced displacement visible to the public, to raise awareness about the social, economic and psychological problems that citizens have experienced during the resettlement process, to recognise the grievances of people who have suffered serious human rights violations and to support them.
Human rights defenders (HRDs) in Turkey have been subjected to judicial harassment, including criminal prosecution, violent attacks, threats, surveillance, prolonged arbitrary detention, and ill-treatment. In the aftermath of an attempted coup in July 2016, the environment for the work of HRDs deteriorated even further.
Through the wide-ranging use of State of Emergency laws, the Turkish government has significantly infringed on the rights to freedom of expression, media, assembly, and association, and has particularly restricted the liberty of those engaged in human rights work. These laws enable even further human rights violations, as HRDs often do not have the freedom to monitor the activities of the security forces, who have been granted extensive powers.
