arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS
In October 2000, 865 political prisoners in 18 prisons in Turkey went on a hunger strike to protest against the F-type prison system that is designed to isolate prisoners from each other in small cells. In two months this number rose to 1,423. On the 19th of December 2000, the government launched an operation ("Return to Life") in 20 prisons, as a result of which 32 people died of burns, CO poisoning, and firearm wounds and hundreds were injured. After this operation 490 prisoners were transferred to various F type prisons. Some prisoners were ill-treated or tortured during this process. In the last 10 months 42 hunger strikers lost their life. From May 2001 onwards the government began to release critically ill prisoners for a temporary period of 6 months. So far about 300 hunger strikers have been released. At present about 1200 prisoners throughout the country are on hunger strike. Many of them are in critical condition.
Since their release, over 280 hunger strikers have sought treatment from Turkish Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT). Many had signs of central nervous system damage, including loss of memory, sight, hearing, and ability to walk. This condition, if untreated, often evolves into a serious brain disease known as "Wernicke-Korsakoff" syndrome. This illness may disable the person for life and thus requires early intervention and specialized care. The HRFT also receives referrals with extensive burns, firearm wounds, and shrapnel injuries that were sustained during the December 2000 operation.
The HRFT organizes inpatient and/or outpatient medical services for the hunger strikers, including a full medical examination, laboratory investigations, surgical, neurological, and psychiatric treatments, and physical rehabilitation. As of 1 November 2001, these services have cost about 110,000 USD for 280 survivors. This is likely to increase, given the need for long-term care for the survivors. We have estimated that the average cost of long-term treatment for one survivor is 1000 USD. The annual cost of proving care for survivors is thus likely to be around 280,000 USD. These figures do not include further funding needs that are likely to arise in the near future because of continuing hunger strikes.
The HRFT is a non-governmental organization that is well-known and respected in Turkey and abroad. Its activities are supported by charitable donations and various international organizations such as the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, European Commission, Swedish Support Committee of Human Rights in Turkey, Norwegian Forum for Freedom of Expression, and Finnish Psychological Association. Since its foundation 11 years ago, the HRFT has provided legal, medical, and psychiatric care for 6000 survivors of torture. Our funding needs have substantially increased as a result of the recent hunger strikes, which appear likely to continue for many more months or even years. We have, therefore, launched an 'Appeal for Solidarity' on the 19th of July 2001, inviting donations from all concerned individuals and organizations. We believe we can help many survivors stay alive, prevent their disabling medical conditions, and reduce their suffering with your support. Thank you.
TIHV Genel Merkezi: Menekse 2 Sok. No: 16/6 Kizilay / Ankara Tel: 312-425 45 52
TIHV Ist. Temsilciligi: Hocazade Sok. No: 8, Beyoglu
Tel: 212-249 30 92
e-mail: ihvist@turk.net