Attachments
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Türkiye is facing a worsening protection crisis, driven by the compounded impacts of the February 2023 earthquakes, socio-economic instability, and systemic discrimination. The earthquakes displaced 15.7 million people, including 1.7 million refugees, while Türkiye continues to host over 4.2 million foreigners, including 3.1 million refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Among them, 2.9 million Syrians under temporary protection face escalating risks due to displacement, disrupted services, and inadequate legal protections. Vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and refugees, are disproportionately affected by overlapping protection concerns, including gender-based violence (GBV), systemic discrimination, deportation risks, and child protection issues. The protection risks requiring immediate attention in the period covered by this analysis are:
Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls face high risks of GBV, including domestic violence, exploitation, and child early and forced marriage, worsened by insecure shelters, economic dependency, and limited access to support services. Psychological violence affects 90% of cases, while economic violence traps survivors in abusive situations.
Discrimination and Denial of Resources: Refugees face systemic barriers to aid, healthcare, education, and public services, fuelling xenophobia and exclusion. Women and children are particularly affected, with refugee children often denied education and essential services, perpetuating poverty and vulnerability.
Refoulement and Deportation: Deportation threats, including coerced "voluntary returns" undermine refugee safety and rights. Many Syrians have reportedly “voluntarily” returned under duress, while those living in Türkiye face the risk of unlawful deportation due to documentation issues and limited legal support.
Child Protection: Children face neglect, child labour (18.5%), and exclusion from education, worsened by economic hardship and overcrowded shelters. Girls are burdened with caregiving duties, while boys are pushed into hazardous labour, with limited access to safe spaces or psychosocial support.
Addressing these intersecting risks requires immediate action. Expanding GBV services, legal aid, and child protection programs is critical, alongside strengthening anti-discrimination measures and ensuring equitable access to resources. Inter-agency coordination must prioritize holistic, survivor-centred approaches, while donors should invest in integrated programs that address vulnerabilities, foster social cohesion, and uphold international protection standards.