In response to recent unrest targeting Syrian refugees in Türkiye, Fahrettin Altun, the head of media and communications in the Turkish presidency, emphasized Ankara's longstanding commitment to hosting millions of refugees from various backgrounds due to regional conflicts.

"Our country has been hosting millions of refugees of many different backgrounds for many decades now," Altun stated. "Regional conflicts have caused displacement of millions in our region, and we have responded responsibly in a humanitarian manner."

Altun condemned efforts to portray Türkiye negatively amid occasional tensions, insisting that isolated incidents do not represent a widespread anti-refugee sentiment.

"It is true that there have been occasional tensions and unfortunate incidents in our country," Altun acknowledged. "But they do not amount to a widespread and sustained anti-refugee wave. Those arguing otherwise are either clueless about the facts or participating in an ill-fated disinformation campaign against our country."

Altun criticized what he described as a disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing Türkiye's humanitarian record, affirming Türkiye's stance against intolerance and its efforts to prevent fringe groups from exploiting grievances.

"We will not allow external actors to exploit some grievances to dictate our policy," Altun asserted firmly.

Highlighting a contrast with Europe's security-focused and sometimes xenophobic policies, Altun underscored Türkiye's humanitarian stance and its opposition to the rise of far-right movements targeting immigrants and refugees.

"The contrast between the security-oriented, xenophobic, and Islamophobic approach adopted by many European countries and the humanitarian approach of our country could not be clearer," Altun emphasized. "Türkiye has proudly and consistently stood against the European far-right that has been showing an ugly face of Europe in their fight against immigrants and refugees."

Altun accused certain Western political groups of hypocrisy for promoting human rights while tolerating anti-immigrant sentiments and xenophobia, citing recent incidents during the European Football Championship involving Turkish players.

"We have been witnessing the unraveling of the social and economic fabric of Europe as a result of the far-right’s destabilizing rise," Altun observed. "The recent campaign against our national football team’s player Merih Demiral during the European Football Championship is just another symptom of this growing disease in some Western nations."

Regarding Syria, Altun outlined Türkiye's policy to resolve the conflict and rebuild the country with territorial integrity, enabling refugees to return safely.

"Our policy is to end the conflict and rebuild a Syria that has its territorial integrity intact with its citizens living in peace and freedom," Altun declared. "To accomplish this, we need to build the humanitarian and legal infrastructure for the safe return of refugees."

Altun criticized the international community for insufficient support in addressing the regional displacement crisis, stressing Türkiye's readiness to collaborate for burden-sharing and humanitarian efforts.

"We have expressed our willingness, time and again, to work with like-minded organizations to address the issue of burden sharing but have received very little support so far," Altun lamented.

Altun reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to peace and stability in the region under President Erdogan's leadership, pledging to combat racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia.

"We will continue to treat human beings honorably regardless of their backgrounds," Altun affirmed. "We will not give in to fear and xenophobia. We will continue to fight against racism and Islamophobia because we believe in it and because it is the right thing to do."

He urged Western nations to align their actions with their humanitarian principles and cooperate in facilitating the safe return of Syrian refugees for the broader stability of Europe and beyond.

"All relevant actors must work together to make this a reality for the sake of stability in the region, Europe, and beyond," Altun urged. "We call on especially the Western countries to practice what they preach through cooperation and burden-sharing."

Altun reiterated Türkiye's dedication to upholding principles of peace, stability, and humanitarianism despite challenges and misinformation campaigns, emphasizing Türkiye's role as a stabilizing force in a turbulent region.

"Under the leadership of President Erdogan, Türkiye will continue to be a force of stability and peace in a turbulent region," Altun concluded. "This is what everyone can be sure of." (ILKHA)