Turkey

Displacement Situation

Turkey currently hosts the largest number of asylum seekers in the world, almost 4 million people. Of these, 3.6 million are Syrian and the remainder are primarily from Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. Despite the efforts of the government, the generosity of host communities, and strong policies of social services, many refugees continue to live under very challenging circumstances. These challenges include legal documentation, access to services such as education and health, access to basic financial support, finding jobs and housing, learning the language, vulnerability to exploitation, and navigating an unfamiliar bureaucracy.

DRC Response 

DRC began operations in Turkey in 2013 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis with the aim to enhance the capacities and self-reliance of refugees and the affected Turkish host communities. As the conflict stretches on in Syria, DRC remains committed to developing durable solutions that serve the needs of more than 3.6 million displaced Syrians and other refugees and migrants currently living in Turkey. DRC works in the south-eastern provinces of Turkey (Hatay, Şanlıurfa, Kilis and Kahramanmaraş), which host some of the highest numbers of Syrian refugees, and with partners in Istanbul and Adana, DRC works in collaboration with local civil society organisations, state institutions, local municipalities and the Chamber of Commerce in all areas of operation.