European Union provides new support to vulnerable refugees in Turkey

Ankara, 26 November 2021 - UNHCR welcomes a new contribution of around USD 19.2 million (EUR 16.5 million) from the European Union through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department, which will enable people in need of international protection to have enhanced access to protection and assistance across Turkey.

Turkey continues to host over 3.7 million Syrians under temporary protection and around 330,000 persons under international protection of other nationalities. The new contribution from the European Union (EU) will support Syrians and refugees from other nationalities[1] who require urgent protection assistance.

More specifically, the EU contribution will help persons with specific needs access protection services, enable continuous registration, and enhance outreach activities to inform refugees and asylum-seekers of their rights, obligations, and the services available to them in the country.

Additionally, in view of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, the resources will be mobilized for vulnerable refugee families across Turkey to address their basic needs through the distribution of COVID-19 cash payments.

“UNHCR is grateful for the continued support by the EU. It allows vulnerable refugees in Turkey, whose needs have further increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, to continue to access much needed assistance and protection,” said Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Representative in Turkey. “This is a positive example of the international community stepping up its support to Turkey, which continues to host and assist the largest number of refugees worldwide.”

“The European Union remains committed to supporting refugees in Turkey, the country currently hosting the largest refugee population in the world. Thanks to EU humanitarian funding, our long-standing partner UNHCR is continuously helping refugees in accessing services, information, and assistance, making sure that no one is left behind,” said Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič. “This support is of vital importance for the most vulnerable, who were especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

 [1] This refers to Syrians under temporary protection as well as international protection status holders and asylum-seekers of other nationalities in Turkey, such as Afghans, Iranians, Iraqi and others. 
 
About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is tasked to coordinate international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. Working with partners, it provides humanitarian assistance, helps providing protection and safeguarding the rights of refugees, and promotes solutions helping people forced to flee have a safe place to call home, where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works with States and partners so that stateless people are granted a nationality.
 
UNHCR Turkey contact:

Selin Ünal, Spokesperson, Ankara

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +90 530 282 78 62
 
About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid:

The European Union and its Member States are the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by disasters and crises.
Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.
 
EU Humanitarian Aid Turkey contact:

Lisa Hastert, Regional Information Officer, Ankara

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +90 533 412 56 63