The Atheist Refugee Assistance Program is an initiative launched by Ateizm Dernegi International Foundation in British Columbia, Canada in 2020 in partnership with Ateizm Dernegi (AD), a small NGO based in Turkiye. 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 August 2020, following the inspiration of the "Atheist Support Network" by Atheist Alliance International and the "Secular Rescue Program" by the Center for Inquiry Transnational.
In Turkiye, a country that shelters a significant number of refugees globally, language barriers and societal norms present challenges for non-believers seeking suitable accommodation, roommates, and employment opportunities in a predominantly Muslim society. Openly identifying as a free-thinking, secular individual often poses risks, including the potential loss of housing or employment. Recognising the difficulties faced by non-believing refugees, Ateizm Dernegi International Foundation saw the need to create a network to address these issues and offer support.
In collaboration with Atheist Alliance International (AAI), the Center for Inquiry (CFI), a fund is established to provide essential legal aid and assistance to atheist asylum seekers and refugees currently residing in Turkiye. This fund supports the operating cost of the 10 bed capacity ARAP SafeHouse, and the salaries of ARAP staff, who cater to the common needs of refugees, including legal assistance, finding suitable accommodations, and securing employment opportunities. ARAP case managers are fluent in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and English.
