Türkiye

Türkiye hosts the world’s largest refugee population, with over 4 million currently registered. Despite the efforts of the Government of Türkiye and the generosity of host communities, many refugees in Türkiye live under challenging circumstances with limited access to support.

Current situation

Refugees in Türkiye face challenges, including obtaining legal protection and documentation whilst navigating an unfamiliar, complicated bureaucracy; accessing services such as education, health, and basic financial support; finding jobs and confronting exploitation; affording adequate housing and basic needs; as well as facing barriers to social integration such as language and cultural separation.

Since March 2020, the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the economy of Türkiye and the livelihoods of refugees and host communities alike, pushing more people into poverty and exacerbating preexisting vulnerabilities.

Core sectors Türkiye

Protection

Economic Recovery

Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding

Shelter and Settlements

Camp Coordination and Camp Management

Displacement trends

Source: | UNHCR

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Why we are there

DRC has been active in Türkiye since 2013, with the aim to enhance the capacities and self-reliance of refugees and vulnerable host communities affected by displacement.

DRC operates in the southeastern provinces of Türkiye, which host the highest numbers of Syrian refugees after Istanbul. DRC also serves refugees in other parts of the country through local partners.

DRC is recognised as a leading actor within the protection and economic recovery sectors. Türkiye is also host to refugees and migrants from countries other than Syria, with arrivals from Afghanistan significantly increasing in recent years. Therefore, DRC has adapted its programming to contribute to issues related to mixed migration, in addition to responding to the Syrian displacement.

What we do

In Türkiye, DRC works with all displacement-affected populations such as refugees, migrants, and vulnerable host communities.

We respond to the most acute protection risks faced by refugees in Türkiye through specialized protection services involving a tailored, confidential case management approach.

DRC also facilitates integration of refugees and vulnerable host community members into Türkiye’s formal economy through wage and self-employment and increased access to inclusive economic growth, using both individual-focused and market-based interventions.

We increase the employability of Persons of Concern (PoC) through demand-driven skills development, as well as strengthening their networks and employment prospects.