“International Protection and Migration in Turkey Conference” on the 10th Anniversary of Law No. 6458

On April 4, 2023, İ.D. Bilkent University Center for Human Rights Studies and Research (the HRC) hosted the International Protection and Migration in Turkey Conference at Mithat Çoruh Conference Hall.

The conference commemorated the 10th Anniversary of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection bringing together around 200 participants, including scholars, practitioners, and experts working in the field of international protection and migration.

The opening speeches at the conference – led by Prof. Ece Göztepe, Chair, the HRC and Assistant Professor Ayşe Dicle Ergin, Executive Board Member, the HRC – were delivered by our esteemed Rector Prof. Dr. Kürşat Aydoğan; our Law School Dean Prof. Dr. Ece Göztepe; the Head of the Migration Management Department, IOM Turkey, Dr.  Tomasso de Cataldo and the Ministry of Interior Türkiye Presidency of Migration Management, Deputy President Dr. Can Ozan Tuncer. The prominent speakers and their respective topics were as follows:

• Migration and Governance: Prof. Dr. Kemal Kirişçi, Mr. Atilla Toros, Prof. Dr. Ahmet İçduygu (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Saime Özçürümez)
• International Protection and Temporary Protection: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lami Bertan Tokuzlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülüm Bayraktaroğlu Özçelik, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Dicle Ergin (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Bilgin Tiryakioğlu)
• Migration: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslı Bayata Canyaş, Assist. Prof. Dr. Neva Övünç Öztürk, Assist. Prof. Dr. Gamze Ovacık, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meltem İneli Ciğer, Ms. Meltem Hamit (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Ece Göztepe)
• Migration and Integration: Prof. Dr. Saime Özçürümez, Dr. Hakkı Onur Arıner, Mr. Meral Açıkgöz, Mr. Yiğit Kader, Mr. Mehmet Ali Küçükçavuş (Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Ahmet İçduygu)

Throughout the day, the conference covered a wide range of topics, including migration and governance, international protection and temporary protection, migration and integration, and refugee law. The discussions were thought-provoking and engaging, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, and critical analysis of the current state of international protection and migration in Turkey. İ. D. Bilkent University’s Department of Translation and Interpreting provided invaluable assistance and dedication in providing interpretation services during the conference. The HRC extends its sincere thanks to all the presenters, attendees and volunteers who contributed to the success of the conference.