We are living in dark times - a world where oppressed refugees are being brutally attacked, arrested and detained. Their crime? Fleeing from persecution and probable execution in their homeland because of their choice of faith. The recent treatment of members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light and their subsequent detention in Turkey is nothing short of an abhorrent violation of basic human rights. Men, women and children who risked their lives in hopes of a better future, find themselves in facilities designed to inflict maximum physical and psychological trauma. Instead of safeguarding these vulnerable individuals, Turkish authorities chose to subject them to treatment that is tantamount to torture.Â
As a medical professional, who has experience of attending to the needs of prisoners in the UK, the stark contrast in access to medical care for refugees is frankly alarming. I feel it is my duty to bring attention to the plight of beleaguered asylum seekers, focusing on the multitude of health problems they face whilst in detention. Some of the common health issues experienced by detained refugees include a significantly higher risk of contracting infectious diseases due to the overcrowded conditions and poor sanitation. Common infections include respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, tuberculosis, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.Â
Furthermore, limited access to adequate nutrition and healthcare can lead to malnutrition particularly among children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic diseases. I wanted to highlight a few cases of the horrific treatment meted out to adherents of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light at the infamous Edirne detention center in Turkey. Cases which demonstrate not only a lack of basic medical resources but also a deplorable attitude towards the sick and infirm.Â
One such case was that of a Arzu, a woman with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus who upon losing consciousness and subsequently having a seizure was accused of feigning illness and promptly referred to a local psychiatric unit. Another case was that of Phatmalak, a middle-aged man who had collapsed after chest pain and was commenced on IV fluids at a local clinic. The belligerent guards who accompanied him grew impatient with the speed of the infusion and decided to take matters into their own hands by squeezing the fluid bag to speed up the delivery process, which could have resulted in catastrophic consequences. A child with jaundice was neglected until he became listless before any medical attention was given. Children in detention may experience developmental delays, educational disruptions, and emotional trauma, which can have long-term consequences on their well-being and future prospects.Â
Finally, there is of course the mental health aspect, which arguably accounts for the majority of the burden of disease seen in captivity. The experience of displacement and persecution, followed by detention can lead to significant psychological distress among refugees. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related disorders are extremely prevalent in these settings.
Addressing the health needs of detained refugees requires a holistic approach with comprehensive strategies that prioritise access to healthcare, mental health support, nutrition, sanitation, and preventive health measures. The treatment of refugees in Edirne failed on all metrics. The disturbing truth is that Turkey represents a microcosm of a much greater global issue, where disenfranchised asylum seekers are deprived of basic human rights. In this scenario, over a hundred members of this persecuted religious minority were denied safe passage at the Turkish-Bulgarian border, violently beaten, and pushed back to Edirne. For the Turkish authorities to respond to this humanitarian refugee crisis in this manner breaks all internationally agreed-upon human rights laws. The distressing reality is that this is just the tip of the iceberg.Â
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