CoE representative on refugees visits Turkey

Bocek’s visit, which will last until June 4, aims to identify areas where the CoE could be of concrete assistance to Turkey, particularly in respect to children and unaccompanied minors, a press release issued from the CoE on May 30 said. 

The program will include visits to removal centers and temporary protection centers. 

“During his mission, the special representative [Bocek] will meet with representatives of all competent authorities, other international organizations and local and international NGOs working with migrants and refugees,” the statement read. 

“He will also carry out field visits in and around Istanbul, including to a children’s shelter,” it said, adding that Bocek also intended to visit the Aegean coast, from where more than 1 million refugees set sail for the Greek islands in 2015 alone and where thousands drowned due to perilous and unhealthy voyage conditions. 

Following the visit, the special representative is expected to publish a report setting out his conclusions and recommendations.