European Warning to Turkey Regarding EU-Funded Refugee Detention Centers
The European Commission's stance reflects its commitment to ensuring that European funding is used in accordance with humanitarian values, which may lead to a comprehensive review of refugee support p
October 15, 2024, 12:20 am

European Warning to Turkey Regarding EU-Funded Refugee Detention Centers

أردوغان واللاجئين السوريين \ ليفانت نيوز

European Commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero emphasized the need for Turkish authorities to take responsibility for investigating allegations of mistreatment of refugees in EU-funded detention facilities, as well as claims of forced returns to Syria and Afghanistan. Pisonero urged Ankara to initiate comprehensive investigations into these allegations.

In a statement carrying a warning tone, the spokesperson clarified that the European Union would not hesitate to intervene if it found evidence of human rights violations or breaches of fundamental principles associated with any EU-funded project.

These statements come in the context of growing international concerns about the conditions of refugees in Turkey, especially in light of reports speaking of abusive practices in detention centers and forced deportation operations.

The European Commission's position highlights the EU's commitment to ensuring its funds are used in line with humanitarian values and international human rights standards. It also reflects a European desire to exercise stricter control over programs funded outside the Union's borders.

This call for investigations could lead to tension in Turkish-European relations, especially given the sensitivity of the migration and asylum file. Turkey hosts millions of refugees and is considered a key partner for the European Union in managing migration flows.

This European stance raises questions about the future of cooperation between the two sides on migration and asylum issues. Proven violations could lead to a reconsideration of European funding mechanisms for refugee support programs in Turkey, or the imposition of stricter conditions on this support.

The ball is now in the court of the Turkish authorities to respond to these accusations and conduct the necessary investigations. Observers are waiting to see how Ankara will handle this sensitive file, and whether it will take concrete steps to reassure its European partners regarding the treatment of refugees and their detention conditions.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”