This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:16-18
About 39,000 Iranian refugees live in Turkey, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The Turkish immigration services are extremely reluctant to provide them with the administrative cooperation they need to complete their applications for asylum and resettlement in safer countries. And the coronavirus crisis is compounding all their problems.
Until the end of 2018, refugees arriving in Turkey applied directly to UNHCR for asylum. But this is no longer the case, as UNHCR says on its website: “The State of Turkey is the principal provider of protection in Turkey. Registration with the Turkish authorities is therefore the most important way of securing your rights in Turkey.”
This change has had a big impact on refugees. The applications of Iranian refugees now have to be examined by the Turkish immigration authorities and police, who take their time. The waiting time is now even longer because the United States, which used to accept asylum and resettlement applications under President Obama, has ceased to do so on President Trump’s orders.
Resettlement proposals are no longer being submitted to the United States. At the same time, many Iranian refugees have ceased to benefit from the various forms of assistance accorded to asylum seekers, including the health card that significantly reduced their medical expenses. Its loss makes them more vulnerable if they catch Covid-19.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Eph. 5:15-17)
Together, we are helping refugees and displaced families. We’ve witnessed the doors of heaven being opened as we proclaimed the gospel to the Muslim refugees and prayed on behalf of them in the name of Jesus.”
