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Childhood and Adolescence

Mohioddin Zehni was born in 1963 in the city of Miandoab in the province of West Azerbaijan. His father was a Bahai and his mother a Muslim but he grew up according to the teachings of the Bahai faith.

Mohioddin was the second child of the family. He studied until the third year of middle school but then dropped out to work as his family was poor. He was known for his kindness; when Mohioddin saw his father work dawn to dusk, he decided to help by joining him to work the farm. He spent his adolescence working while many others of his age could play and half fun.

Answering the Draft

In the early 1980s, when the war between Iran and Iraq was at its height, Mohioddin decided to answer the draft and join the Iranian army. Some members of his family asked him to wait for the war to cool but he was determined to serve his country as a soldier. His birth certificate had been lost, which he could have used as an excuse to delay going into military service, but he quickly obtained a duplicate and presented himself to the conscription organization.

Mohioddin started his military service in the winter or the spring of 1984. He was trained at Ajabshir Recruit Training Centre 03 in East Azerbaijan province. The Revolutionary Guards and the Revolutionary Committees refused to accept to train the Bahais and Bahai conscripts were sent to the regular armys training centers.

After his training was complete, Mohioddin served a few months in Ahvaz, capital of Khuzestan province. He then served two months in Tehran and was then sent to Piranshahr in the province of West Azerbaijan.

Martyrdom

On August 19, 1986, Mohioddin had only 18 days left before being discharged. His service ought to have ended two months earlier but, because of the ongoing war, the government had ordered that all conscripts must serve an extra two months.

A group of soldiers in a trench in the mountains around Piranshahr needed provisions on that day. They were supposed to travel to the army base in Piranshahrs village of Davoud Abad but instead Mohioddin volunteered to get the provisions for the unit.

He left Davoud Abad in a damaged IFA truck and, on the mountainous road to the trench, the brakes failed and the truck tumbled down the mountainside. Mohioddin was killed he was 23 years old.

Martyrdom Denied

Mohioddin was the first Bahai martyr in the city of Miandoab and he was buried next to other war casualties in the city. The Martyrs Foundation initially treated his family the same as it treated other families of war martyrs: the familys Bahai faith was not an issue. But Mohioddins name was removed from the Martyrs Foundation list of martyrs, a few years later, because of his Bahai faith.

Thirty years after Mohioddins death, the Martyrs Foundation rejected his mothers request to recognize him as a war martyr, saying: As you yourself have mentioned in your request, you belong to the Bahaideviant sect and, based on the directive and bylaws of the Martyrs Foundation, creating a file as a martyr or a veteran for anybody who belongs to the Bahai deviant sect is forbidden and this foundation cannot provide you with any services that are offered to the families of war martyrs.

Read more from the original source:
Mohioddin Zehni: Baha'i Martyr of the Iran-Iraq War - IranWire |

PSGare in the middle of making wholesale changes for next season. The Parisian side have had seasons full of doubt and uncertainty and they have failed to win the Champions League. They want to make a step forward this summer.

Therefore, the Sheikh has started with changing the sporting director. Luis Campos is the new man in charge. On the bench, there will also be change and Mauricio Pochettino is now history. Veteran coach Christophe Galtier will take over.

However, these reforms, will also affect the players. And not only players in general, but the senior players in the dressing room.

In recent days, there was news that the Frenchman does not want Neymar to stay at the club. The injuries and lack of focus, as well as the huge salary he receives, has reportedly led to this ending.

With Mbappe as their leader after his renewal, 'El Partidazo de COPE' mentionedanother player who was thought to be untouchable. Leo Messi, who has struggled to adapt to life in Paris. However, the Parisian club's offices know that getting rid of these two footballers will be easy or cheap.

PSG's plan is to get rid of global stars and focussing on building a good team instead.

Another area to improve is the defence. With two world class footballers in the Argentine and the Brazilian, the defence has got significantly worse. This is something that they want to change from now on and it ended up taking its toll in the knockout game against Real Madrid.

A new strategy of development and growth which PSG have foir this season. Will the Parisian side change from being a squad full of stars to a team which plays well? This story has only just begun.

More here:
A new PSG on the horizon without Neymar and Messi - BeSoccer EN

Berlin/San Jose More than 1,238 lives have been lost during migration in the Americas in 2021, among them at least 51 children, according to new data published by the International Organization for Migrations (IOM) Missing Migrants Project (MMP). At least 728 of these deaths occurred on the United States-Mexico border crossing, making this the deadliest land crossing in the world, according to the data.

The dangers facing people on the move throughout the region revealed by the data were highlighted on 27 June with the discovery of 53 bodies in an abandoned tractor trailer in San Antonio, Texas, and the hospitalization of 16 survivors. This tragedy increases the total number of deaths so far in 2022 to 493, and it serves as a reminder of the underreported migrant deaths that take place at the United States-Mexico border and throughout the Americas, and of the families left behind.

The number of deaths on the United States-Mexico border last year is significantly higher than in any year prior, even before COVID-19, said Edwin Viales, author of the new IOM report on migrants in the Americas in 2021. Yet, this number remains an undercount due to the diverse challenges for data collection.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, an increasing number of people from Latin America and the Caribbean are undertaking dangerous irregular journeys. Mobility restrictions enacted in response to the pandemic and not yet lifted may also have led to a funnel effect, driving migrants with limited options to increasingly dangerous routes.

Many deaths recorded on these routes are from countries with high numbers of asylum seekers. At least 136 Venezuelans have died in transit in the last 18 months, in addition to 108 Cubans and 90 Haitians. However, the largest demographic in the available data on migrant deaths in the Americas is unidentified people. The countries of origin of over 500 people whose deaths were recorded since 2021 are listed as unknown.

Our data shows the growing crisis of deaths during migration in the region, and the need to strengthen the forensic capacity of the authorities to identify deaths on these routes. We cannot forget that every single number is a human being with a family who may never know what happened to them, said Viales.

Despite commitments to save migrant lives and prevent further deaths and disappearances in the Global Compact for Migration, and despite relevant obligations under international law, the situation on the ground remains extremely dangerous for people on the move in the Americas.

In the Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held in May 2022, the United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed the collective responsibility to preserve the lives of all migrants and take action to prevent loss of migrant lives and, in this context, remained deeply concerned that thousands of migrants continue to die or go missing each year along perilous routes on land and at sea, in transit, and destination countries. In April 2022, the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM) in an extraordinary declaration also underscored the importance of saving lives by establishing coordinated international efforts on missing migrants.

A report with analysis of 2021 data on migrant deaths in the Americas can be found here (executive summary in English). The full version of the report in Spanish can be found here.

The latest Missing Migrants Project data on the Americas can be found at missingmigrants.iom.int/region/Americas

***

For more information please contact:

Jorge Galindo at IOM GMDAC, Tel: +49 1601 791 536, Email: jgalindo@iom.int

Safa Msehli at IOM HQ, Tel: +41 79 403 5526. Email: smsehli@iom.int

Read the original post:
Latest Migrant Tragedy in Texas Highlights Crisis Along Deadliest Migration Land Route - International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The realities of migration and a tumultuous refugee crisis are not just on Turkey's agenda but the entire world. The number of people who leave their homes and countries for various reasons and flock to foreign countries is increasing rapidly. Some are on the road alone, others are with their families, their elderly parents and their children wrapped in swaddling clothes. The journey into the unknown becomes even more frightening with the difficulties they encounter in the countries they arrive in.

Recently, the issue of immigration the extent and its result cannot be forecasted was discussed recently at a two-day conference held in Istanbul. I was among the observers of the Global Parliamentary Migration conference held on June 20-21, hosted by the Turkish Parliament with the initiative of Parliament Speaker Mustafa entop. After the conference, where potential solutions to the migration and refugee problem and necessary steps to be taken were evaluated, I met entop to discuss what was on my mind.

I first wanted to touch on Turkey's immigration burden, which is heavier than most countries. When I asked for entop's views regarding the necessity of easing this burden, he said: "It is necessary to alleviate the heavy migration burden on certain countries and ensure that it is shared fairly."

Everyone, from politicians and bureaucrats to citizens, shares the same idea on this issue. After all, Turkey has been hosting the highest number of refugees in the world for eight years. Our population is 85 million, and according to official statements, there are 4 million refugees in the country, 3.6 million of which are Syrian. That means that around 5% of the population consists of refugees. Yes, the number is high and this is a cause of concern. While the issue of migration and refugees is common, many Western countries continue to ignore it.

Based on what I witnessed, I can say that the prohibition of discrimination in the West generally remains on paper. Prejudices, xenophobia and double standards prevail throughout that part of the world. Instead of taking responsibility for a tragedy, they shift the burden of migration and the responsibilities entirely on the shoulders of the surrounding countries. Is this state of ignorance sustainable? By looking at the influx and reasoning, I would say absolutely not. At this point, all countries must act with a humanitarian and conscious approach. To take action, governments must not lose time.

So what is the reason behind this state of ignorance regarding the issue of migration? Is Islamophobia the reason they want to close their doors on refugees, or the resulting economic burden that the refugees would bring to their countries?

If you ask me, it's the lack of empathy. I would fully endorse this statement from entop: "Actually, there is no multiculturalism in Europe. From time immemorial, Europe showed no tolerance for those who were different and expressed no desire to live together. Even among themselves. Catholics, Protestants and Jews lived separately. Europe does not have an inclusive, comprehensive culture that can transform into high culture."

As someone born and raised abroad, I agree with him 100%. Turkey, unlike Europe, comes from a multicultural world. Turkish people live in a land where people with different languages and religions have lived together for over 1,000 years. That is why integration is much easier for Turkey.

In my opinion, it is incorrect to say that the West maintains considerable distance from migrants coming from the Middle East and Africa because of religion. Even if they behave with more tolerance toward immigrants from within Europe compared to those from the Middle East, they are closed to immigration among themselves. Ultimately they do not want to include people from other countries. This is the main problem. But it is an inevitable situation. In the new world order, whether they like it or not, all countries will experience this, and they will continue to receive immigrants, legally or illegally.

I believe that migration will continue because war is not the only reason people sail into the unknown. There are even more important reasons for migration beyond war and safety. Of course, people are unsafe because of conflicts and wars. They are trying to escape their homeland. But this problem can be solved. In my opinion, economic difficulties and the lack of humane living conditions are among the reasons that should be considered more seriously. After all, when people facing hunger cannot find a job in their own country and their hopes are exhausted, it becomes inevitable to embark on a deadly journey.

Furthermore, another more permanent and long-term reason for migration has emerged in recent years: Climate change. Many regions are becoming uninhabitable even though there are job opportunities. Famine, drought and abnormal meteorological circumstances compel people to leave their homeland.

Although there are distinct reasons behind this inevitable migration, there is a general concern that the demographic of society has deteriorated, regardless of how much we try to empathize. Ignoring this reality is objectionable, as it will set the stage for social outrage. It must be explained that this situation is not unique to Turkey. There is an unstoppable movement everywhere, from Europe to Africa. Noticeable demographic changes are happening in the world.

When immigration is mentioned, countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sudan first come to mind. But the Russia-Ukraine war has changed this perception. The war caused Europe to confront the issue of migration more closely. Western countries had to experience the events they once watched from afar right under their noses. According to official figures, approximately 7 million people moved to nearby countries within a month and a half.

I remember the speaker of the Polish parliament saying at the meeting of the European Union Parliament Speakers in Slovenia that 2 million people came to his country in 15 days. This statement did not create the desired effect in the room, and no one found this figure interesting. Then he said "the population of Slovenia is 2 million. Imagine, a Slovenia came to us in 15 days." Finally, the audience came to their senses with this concrete example. At that moment, it made me think that it was time to understand that these numbers are not just mathematical equations but that each number represents a helpless person. It is time to show empathy and be a humanist rather than a racist.

There is the reality I mentioned before: The number of people in Turkey disturbed by the rate and intensity of migration to the country is not low at all. Some are worried that this situation will become permanent. I wanted to get some information from entop regarding what authorities think about this and what they are doing.

I found his response hopeful: "Of course, we all know the magnitude of Turkey's burden. But one should not think that it is completely permanent. Turkey is a destination country on the one hand and a transit country on the other. Since it is located at the intersection of Asia, Africa and Europe, there may be transfers via Turkey. After all, there will be a voluntary return when conditions improve in Syria. I think most of them will go," entop said.

I do not believe this return has anything to do with worsening conditions in Turkey, as some claim. Because I know this: Life is difficult for refugees everywhere. They are not citizens, the jobs they can do are limited, and they are trying hard to hold on in a country where they do not even know the language.

In terms of Syrians specifically, most of those in Turkey are living under difficult conditions. Therefore, I think they will prefer to return to their country over time. Also, if Western countries support Turkey's investment in the safe zone as they have promised, the return process will accelerate. But the West's approach of "this is your problem and their problem" paints an embarrassing picture for humanity and seeks to intensify the problem.

But there is still hope that the promises made will be fulfilled and everyone can return to their motherlands and loved ones as soon as possible.

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Is there hope for global migrant waves? | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah

The United Kingdoms Rwanda asylum policy has been in the global spotlight since it was signed in April this year.

The U.K government introduced this policy under the economic development partnership. Through this, the asylum seekers will be flown 6,500 km away to Rwanda, which will handle the processing of their asylum claims.

This deal was introduced mainly as a measure to prevent the loss of life that happened because of the dangerous crossings. This policy will be introduced as a pilot for 5 years.

The UK has made an upfront payment of 120 million to Rwanda to cover the cost of housing and integration of the asylum seekers till their applications are processed.

In the wake of the migrant crisis of 2015, more than one million migrants and refugees crossed into Europe. There was a divide between how different European Union countries responded. Some welcomed the migrants, while some made their immigration policies stricter.

In 2016, when Britain decided to withdraw from the European Union, one of its most important themes of the campaign was taking control of immigration. And after Brexit, the U.K introduced a policy that gave entry to those who wanted to work in the U.K. through a points-based system.

In 2021, over 28,000 people entered in boats, compared to 8,500 people in 2020. They seek the help of human smugglers and illegal traffickers.

But the migrants will be given refugee status only based on the strength of their asylum claim. Those rejected would have to leave the country within 5 days.

On June 15, the first flight that was set to carry the asylum seekers to Rwanda was cancelled at the last minute.

This was after the European Court of Human Rights ruled against it as some of the immigrants didnt have the guarantee of a legal future in Rwanda.

Rwandas own human rights record is another reason why this policy faces flak.

In the past other countries like Australia, Israel, and Denmark have also established such policies. They were also deemed cruel and were opposed heavily.

Reports say that the legality of the U.K-Rwanda asylum policy will be tested in a full court hearing next month.

Read more:
Watch | Why is UK sending its refugees to Rwanda? - The Hindu