Two Turkish soldiers who were convicted of raping an Afghan refugee during her return from Turkey to Iran in January have been sentenced to a total of 69 years in prison.

Turkish Media reported that the incident took place in the eastern province of Van on Jan. 2 when eight Afghan refugees who had crossed the border with Iran were captured by Turkish soldiers.

According to advocates for immigrants' rights, rising levels of poverty, economic difficulties, and a lack of work opportunities are some of the main reasons why citizens of the nation leave the country illegally.

“In addition to holding diplomatic negotiations, the Islamic Emirate's leaders "should provide employment and a stable life for the citizens in order to prevent this type of migration,” said Asifa Stanekzai, an activist for immigrant rights.

Meanwhile, Afghan immigrants in Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and other nations said that their living conditions are poor and that they lack access to citizenship, an education, suitable employment, and other rights.

“Sadly, Afghan migrants do not have any rights now that should be upheld by any country or organization. Every day we see that in Pakistan, Iran, European countries or other countries, Afghan migrants are being beat by police or other people,” said Faizullah Turk, Afghan immigrant in Pakistan.

This comes as in recent years, various reports have been spread about the misbehavior of the soldiers of some countries, including Turkey, towards Afghan immigrants.