»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ

Skip to main content
Hello,

Help Children and Refugees in Türkiye (Turkey)

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.

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵhas 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, »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵlaunched an emergency response to support the urgent needs of children and families impacted by the deadly disaster.

At a Glance: Facts About Turkey

  • Population of Turkey: 83 million
  • Population below the poverty line: 14%
  • Percentage of children out of school: 35%

Our Work in Turkey

Our programming in Turkey is aimed at the following:

  • increasing access to learning and education
  • addressing child poverty
  • strengthening child protection mechanisms

Make a one-time donation to or you care about through your monthly donation. Advocate for children displaced by natural disasters by joining our political advocacy arm — 's — efforts to send a message to Congress.

Our Emergency Response in Turkey

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis 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.

An icon of a stethoscope.

We're distributing essentials like hot meals, clean water, tents, blankets, diapers, firewood and warm clothing

svg image showing water drops

Our team of water, sanitation and hygiene specialists are helping keep children healthy and protect them from the outbreak of waterborne diseases

An icon of a girl and boy holding hands.

We're providing psychosocial support services for children, where children can participate in play-based activities in a safe and protected space

FAQS

What is the current situation for refugees in Turkey?

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.

What is »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵdoing to support unaccompanied children in Turkey?

In 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.

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵis 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.

What emotional impact are the earthquakes taking on children in Turkey?

Zehra,* a mental health officer working for »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵin 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, »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵteams 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.

How can I make a monthly donation to provide ongoing support to children around the world who are impacted by today's most urgent issues?

By 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.

Related News and Features

How to Help Children in Turkey

You can create change that lasts a lifetime for children in Turkey – in so many ways.


Support Save the Children’s mission. Donate to help children in Turkey and around the world grow up healthy, educated and safe.

Join Team Tomorrow
Join Team Tomorrow and your monthly donation will go toward addressing the needs of children affected by today’s most urgent issues. 


Give a meaningful gift that will help transform children’s lives and futures in Turkey and beyond.