The Atheist Refugee Assistance Program is an initiative launched by Ateizm Dernegi International Foundation in British Columbia, Canada which is the sister NGO of Ateizm Dernegi in Turkiye (est. 2014), the first and only legally recognized atheist human rights organization among Muslim-majority countries. We aim to provide crucial support and assistance to non-believing refugees who have sought refuge in Turkiye due to religious persecution and the need for a fresh start. The program was established in 2020, following the inspiration of the "Atheist Support Network" by Atheist Alliance International and the "Secular Rescue Program" by the Center for Inquiry Transnational.
The Atheist Refugee Assistance Program is specifically designed to assist refugees who have fled religious persecution in their home countries and are seeking to build a new life in Turkiye. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be future asylum seekers or refugees who have clearly stated their non-believer status in their immigration documents. In order to be accepted to the program, there is a “thorough vetting process” where the applicant will need to provide supporting evidence for his/her claims. While the program does not provide financial support, it offers valuable assistance in several key areas:
Accommodation: Providing Short-term (SafeHouse) and long-term housing solutions. Helping asylum-seekers and refugees find suitable housing or roommates. Providing guidance throughout the rental/roommate application processes.
Job Search: Assisting atheist asylum seekers and refugees in finding employment opportunities in Turkiye. Translating curriculum vitae (CV) into Turkish, providing templates for job applications, and offering guidance throughout the interview process.
Legal Aid: Accepting applications from atheist asylum seekers and refugees in need of legal support. After verifying the authenticity of the applications, Ateizm Dernegi takes over the legal process and provides assistance through pro bono lawyers.
Official Letters: Issuing letters of recommendation, support, or verification to the Turkish or foreign immigration divisions, courts, international organizations or UNHCR offices on behalf of asylum seekers and refugees to support their claims.
Direct Guidance: Assisting applicants with the application process for supports, allowances, grants, and scholarship applications to be submitted to national and international organisations, funds, institutions, associations, and secular/humanist/atheist charities
The Atheist Refugee Assistance Program, Turkiye has a very thorough vetting process and additional verification is required from trusted sources in the applicants' home countries. Please apply with as many supporting documents as possible as ARAP’s overall application acceptance rate is at 21%. We aim to create a safe, secure, and supportive network for non-believing refugees, helping them overcome challenges and establish a new life in Turkiye.
