Human Rights Association (İHD) Diyarbakır Branch issued a written statement on the coronavirus threat.

 

The IHD statement said: "Given the low number of daily average tests, it is clear that the statistics released to the people every day by the authorities may be actually much higher when it comes to number of dead and people who have contracted the virus."

 

The statement added: "Anyone who has to work outside, especially healthcare workers, faces the risk of transmission of the virus. This risk is not only for themselves, but also for their families. In this case, those who have to stay at home can maintain their health, while those who have to work outside are clearly exposed. The problem of social security and health rights of large groups such as healthcare workers, cargo company employees, factory workers, construction workers, market workers, prisoners, etc., comes to the agenda."

 

The IHD statement continued: "In a statement made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs within the scope of the measures to be taken to try and contain the outbreak, a curfew was declared in 31 cities on 10 April. The fact that the announcement was made only a few hours before the actual lockdown came into place caused panic and anxiety in citizens. This situation led citizens to flock to shops such as bakeries and markets to meet their basic needs and this led to the formation of huge queues and crowds. This, in turn, led to a violation of the social distance rule which was emphasized in the context of containing the spread of the virus. It is unacceptable for the government to act like this as it puts citizens' lives at risk. Citizens should be informed in a timely, transparent and correct manner at all stages of the epidemic disease and all measures taken to counter it."

 

IHD Diyarbakır listed what needs to be done urgently: "All necessary protective measures should be taken for healthcare professionals. When necessary, they should be provided with services such as housing and transportation.

 

All necessary protective measures should be taken in closed and crowded living spaces (prisons, orphanages, retirement and nursing homes) that are more exposed to the spread of the virus.

 

Ill prisoners over 65 years of age, pregnant women, children should be released immediately.

 

Collective workplaces should be temporarily closed, job security of all employees should be ensured and the economic needs of workers should be met by the state until the isolation period ends.

 

All preventive measures should be taken for those working in the sectors that are obliged to continue.

 

Getting correct information is a basic right of citizens."