Since 2011, Turkey has pursued an open-door policy toward Syrians. There has been a flood of immigrants with their children and there are fears that some of these children are working in factories in Turkey to make clothes for British high street retailers.

British retailers are one of the largest customers for Turkish textile producers and exporters. Turkey says children may be employed, if at all, by fly-by-night manufacturers who do not produce for any global brand. The country has declared that any manufacturer who illegally employs child labor is a traitor and that such manufacturers must be reported.

Turkey also says global brands which outsource manufacturing to Turkey inspect their producers tightly and refuse to tolerate any labor abuses. Turkey says the use of child labor is strictly forbidden and prohibited and it invites those making the charges to visit Turkey and tour all manufacturers who make production for global brands and if any child laborer is found, it is ready to face sanctions.

The country says it follows a policy where formal manufacturers are strictly monitored and inspected and that such unfair allegations undermine Turkey’s assistance to refugees with a particular emphasis on children.