Turkiye’s humanitarian approach to refugees on World Humanitarian Aid Day

Turkiye’s humanitarian approach to refugees, particularly in the context of the Syrian civil war, stands as one of the most significant and large-scale efforts in modern history. As of 2023, Turkiye hosts the largest refugee population in the world, with over 3.6 million registered Syrian refugees and approximately 300,000 others from various countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran. This piece delves into Turkiye’s policies, the economic and social impact of hosting such a vast number of refugees and the challenges and successes of its approach.

Turkiye’s refugee policy framework

Turkiye’s approach to refugees is shaped by its geographical location, straddling Europe and the Middle East, and its historical experience with migration. The country is a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, although with a geographical limitation that only grants full refugee status to those fleeing Europe. Non-European refugees are granted temporary protection, which has become the basis for Turkiye’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

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The Temporary Protection Regulation, introduced in 2014, is the cornerstone of Turkiye’s refugee policy. This regulation provides registered refugees with legal stay, access to health care, education and other essential services. It also ensures non-refoulement, the principle of not returning refugees to a country where they could face threats to their life or freedom. This policy has enabled Turkiye to manage the unprecedented influx of refugees, while maintaining a commitment to humanitarian principles.

Economic impact and humanitarian aid

Hosting millions of refugees has had significant economic implications for Turkiye. The Turkish government has invested approximately $40 billion in supporting refugees since the beginning of the Syrian crisis. This expenditure covers a wide range of services, including healthcare, education and social assistance.

One of the critical components of Turkiye’s humanitarian aid to refugees is the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) program, launched in 2016 in collaboration with the European Union and the World Food Programme. The ESSN provides monthly cash transfers to vulnerable refugee families, allowing them to meet their basic needs while preserving their dignity and autonomy. By 2023, the ESSN had reached over 1.7 million refugees, with over €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion) allocated to the program.

Despite the significant financial burden, the presence of refugees has also brought economic benefits to Turkiye. Studies have shown that the influx of refugees has contributed to economic growth, particularly in the informal economy, where many refugees find employment. Furthermore, the presence of international organisations and NGOs involved in refugee assistance has injected substantial funds into the local economy.

Social integration and challenges

Social integration of refugees in Turkiye has been a complex and multifaceted process. The Turkish government has taken several steps to facilitate integration, particularly in education and employment. By 2022, over 750,000 Syrian children were enrolled in Turkish schools, and efforts were made to include refugees in the national education system rather than segregating them into separate schools. This integration has been crucial in preventing the emergence of a “lost generation” of uneducated refugees.

In the labour market, Turkiye has granted work permits to approximately 150,000 Syrian refugees since 2016. However, the vast majority of refugees work in the informal sector, often in low-paying and precarious jobs. While this has allowed many refugees to support themselves and their families, it also poses significant challenges in terms of labour rights, social security and exploitation.

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The social impact of hosting such a large refugee population has also been evident in public attitudes. While there has been considerable solidarity and hospitality shown by Turkish society, particularly in the early years of the crisis, public sentiment has gradually shifted. Rising unemployment, economic difficulties and cultural differences have contributed to increasing tensions between host communities and refugees. A 2022 survey by Istanbul Bilgi University found that 81 per cent of Turkish respondents believed that Syrian refugees should eventually return to Syria, reflecting growing concerns about the long-term presence of refugees in Turkiye.

International support and burden sharing

Turkiye’s efforts in hosting refugees have been widely recognised internationally, but the country has often criticised the lack of adequate burden-sharing by the global community. The European Union has provided significant financial support through the Facility for Refugees in Turkiye, which allocated €6 billion ($6.6 billion) between 2016 and 2021. This funding has supported various projects in health, education, infrastructure and socio-economic development for refugees.

However, Turkiye has argued that the international community’s response has been insufficient, given the scale of the crisis. The Turkish government has repeatedly called for more equitable burden-sharing, including increased resettlement opportunities for refugees in third countries and greater financial assistance from international donors.

Conclusion

Turkiye’s humanitarian approach to refugees represents one of the most extensive and complex refugee responses in modern history. While the country has made significant strides in providing protection, services and opportunities for millions of refugees, the challenges of economic sustainability, social integration and international burden-sharing remain critical. As the Syrian crisis continues with no immediate end in sight, Turkiye’s experience offers valuable lessons for other countries and regions facing large-scale refugee movements.

The global community must recognise and support Turkiye’s efforts more effectively to ensure refugees are not only protected, but also given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in dignity and security. Turkiye’s experience underscores the importance of a comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing refugee crises, one that balances humanitarian concerns with economic and social realities.

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