Türkiye (Turkey) continues to host the world's largest refugee population in the world. Today, as the number of people forcibly displaced by conflict continues to grow, there are 3.6 million Syrian refugees under Temporary Protection, half of which are children.
Turkey is also home to a further 400,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with the largest populations coming from Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. At least 1.8 million refugees in Turkey are living below the poverty line, including 280,000 living in extreme poverty.
Save the Children has a history of working in Turkey to help provide children with access to education and to protect them from harm. We work closely with local and central authorities, partner agencies and local communities. Following the February 6 earthquakes that stuck the border of Turkey and Syria, Save the Children launched an emergency response to support the urgent needs of children and families impacted by the deadly disaster.
Make a one-time donation to the Children's Emergency Fund or join Team Tomorrow to connect with the causes you care about through your monthly donation. Advocate for children displaced by natural disasters by joining our political advocacy arm — Save the Children Advocacy Network's — efforts to send a message to Congress.
Save the Children is responding with our local partners, providing urgent life-saving assistance in Turkey to children and families impacted by the deadly earthquakes. We’re planning to reach 125,000 children in Turkey.
We're distributing essentials like hot meals, clean water, tents, blankets, diapers, firewood and warm clothing
Our team of water, sanitation and hygiene specialists are helping keep children healthy and protect them from the outbreak of waterborne diseases
We're providing psychosocial support services for children, where children can participate in play-based activitie in a safe and protected space
Türkiye is already facing an ongoing refugee crisis, hosting up to 3.6 million Syrian refugees – many of whom are living in overcrowded and unstable accommodations.
Today, half of Türkiye’s Syrian refugees are living in a region destroyed by the recent earthquakes.
Back to TopIn the aftermath of an earthquake, there is a high risk of children becoming separated from their families. Children separated from their families are at extremely high risk of emotional and psychological distress, abuse and exploitation, and other forms of violence.
Save the Children is currently coordinating with the Government of Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Services who have set up family reunification and tracing mechanisms, so any child identified as unaccompanied or separated from their parents can be referred for support.
Adoption is not an appropriate response for unaccompanied children until local authorities and humanitarian agencies have exhausted all efforts to trace and reunite them with their families and extended community.
Back to TopZehra,* a mental health officer working for Save the Children in Türkiye, explained, "The children (in Turkey) we’re speaking to are showing signs of aggression, being withdrawn, and not speaking much, while some others show the opposite: they want a lot of attention. Parents are also telling us that children are having nightmares."
In Antakya, Hatay, and remote villages hard-hit in Türkiye, Save the Children teams have set up child-friendly activities for children aged five to 12 so they have a safe place to play, learn, and express their grief and loss.
Back to TopBy joining Team Tomorrow as a monthly donor, your continued support can help make a major difference in the lives and communities of children around the world, including those growing up in areas impacted by natural disasters.
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After the earthquakes that struck both Türkiye and Syria on February 6 and killed over 50,000 people, millions of people are trying to piece their lives back together once again.
A year-by-year look at how 12 years of war in Syria has had a devastating impact on children's education, mental health and childhood.
Today, with the world's focus on Ukraine, Syria and too many other growing refugee crises, it's more important that we advocate for refugees. Join us.
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