ReliefWeb

In September 2016, the European Union signed a ground-breaking deal to help more than 1 million of the most vulnerable refugees in Turkey. The deal will see the EU’s humanitarian aid department, working hand-in-hand with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) and the Government of Turkey to implement the most ambitious humanitarian aid programme in EU history. After a month of piloting the scheme in Ankara, the national launch took place in the winter of 2016.

With the harsh winter weather, life is hard for many of the poorest refugees trying to make a living in Turkey’s capital, Ankara. The bitter cold is just the latest challenge for 42-year old Dalal Issa al-Kasem. Her family lost everything when they fled Islamic State in Syria’s war, and 8 months ago her husband suffered a heart attack that left him bed-ridden. Her children pick through the garbage to find boxes and cartons to sell – the family’s only meagre income. “We have no money for warm clothes, you can’t even find sugar or cooking oil in our house,” she says, hands plunged deeply into her pockets against the bitter chill. “I just want to be able to feed my children.”

But in an unremarkable little street on the outskirts of Ankara, Dalal is waiting to register for a programme that, if her family is accepted, could change their lives.

The Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) is a partnership between Turkish and international actors, using €348 million of EU taxpayers’ money to support the most vulnerable refugees in Turkey. The country currently hosts 3 million people who have fled war, instability and poverty. The ESSN is cash-based aid, with eligible families being given a debit card, charged with 100 Turkish lira per person (c. €28) credit monthly, to be used to purchase food, clothes and other basic needs, or pay for rent, utilities and bills.

It will give families who have almost nothing a sense of normality, dignity, and a chance to get back on their feet. All registered refugees living outside refugee camps can apply through centres run by the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policies. Those deemed most vulnerable or most in need will be identified for assistance. Dalal is desperately hoping she will be one of those. “I don’t want much extra money, just enough to live. I am really happy for this EU funding, and so grateful for the support,” she says.

Turkey has in recent years done an extraordinary job hosting the world's largest refugee population. The ESSN is a sign of solidarity from the international community, and from Europe in particular, in supporting Turkish hospitality. The project, the largest in EU history, aims to change lives.

No one underestimates the daunting technical challenges, or the importance of getting things right quickly - testing new systems, and training the necessary staff. But with the needs of refugees so acute, it feels significant that registrations are being received and the project is underway, even in its early stages, according to Jane Lewis, head of office for the EU in Turkey. “The ESSN allows us to provide humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of refugees living all over Turkey, efficiently, effectively while allowing those in need to restore some control over their own lives” she said.