SUMMARY
Syrian refugees in Turkey report that their basic needs are generally well met in the government controlled camps. This being the case, STL had previously observed that protection issues do not seem to be a consideration of camp managers and the authorities alike (STL, 30 November 2012). However, recent reports suggest that the Turkish authorities have put stronger attention on protection issues such as psycho-social support for the traumatized Syrian population in the camps (IFRC, 29 December 2012).
Contrary to the assistance being provided in the camps, Syrian unregistered refugees in urban areas, towns and villages are not being supported by the Turkish government. Local sources and NGOs estimate the figure of urban Syrian refugees to be more than 100,000. Support to Life (STL) focuses its relief operation on this target group due to limited support received by Syrian refugees living outside the camps.
Despite the presence of a number of international NGOs on the ground in Turkey, the ambiguous legal framework of aid agencies makes it difficult for NGOs to plan their humanitarian assistance within and through Turkey. There is only a limited number of INGOs working on the ground in Turkey, mainly providing limited healthcare services to those in need. Recently some large national NGOs assisting the refugees have decreased their assistance. Apart from the INGOs and the more resourceful national NGOs, there are some small local civil society organizations that are mobilizing local resources for working with the Syrians, in responding to their needs. However, these local civil society organizations have limited capacity.
Priorities of the Syrian refugees have not changed greatly in the last two months. The only change has been noted in terms of numbers and urgency of winterization needs. Added to this, IFRC has observed an increase in cases of PTSD among the Syrian population residing in Turkey. Syrian refugees prioritized their main needs as follows:
- Immediate winterization, mainly blankets, stoves, fuel for heating, winter clothes, and plastic sheeting
- Income for meeting their daily needs of food and NFI, including hygiene materials,
- Mental health support
- Medical and health care
- Advice on their legal status
- Education
During the month of December 2012 and the first half of January 2013, STL has continued supporting refugee families with food aid, hygiene materials, kitchen utensils and winterization items (stoves, heating fuel, blankets, carpets). To date, STL has reached 1,072 families, covering the basic needs of a population of 5,591. STL will continue distributing food and hygiene packages along with winterization materials, while preparing to respond to the other needs of the Syrian refugees living outside the camps.