In 2019, DGMM issued a new strategy, the Cohesion Strategy and National Action Plan,[1] according to which six thematic areas are to be addressed by DGMM: social cohesion, information, education, health, labour market and social support. The authorities started work with SGDD-ASAM, MUDEM and community-based organisations on these issues in 2019. Most initiatives were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Family unity became quite difficult due to the pandemic. There was little information on what was concretely achieved in 2020 under the Cohesion Strategy and National Action Plan but a new project was (re)launched in December 2020 to promote inclusive migration management funded by the European Union (EU) and managed jointly by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM). It seeks to build social cohesion and inclusion as migrants and refugees integrate into Turkish society and includes objectives for employment, health, education, social policies, orientation, and social aid. [2]
The Izmir earthquake in October 2020 also affected those seeking international protection in that region. Demands for access to basic supplies and financial aid and support were very high. People lost their jobs in big cities due to COVID-19. Houses collapsed due to the earthquake. Nearly 500 people seeking international protection from different backgrounds had houses that were damaged. Even families whose houses had minor or moderate damage experienced difficulties due to COVID-19, and they requested financial support. There is still a container city in İzmir Bayraklı where 8 families are living. NGOs tried to provide a rent allowance to refugees whose conditions were the most serious.[3]
[1] See DGMM, Uyum Strateji Belgesi ve Ulusal Eylem Planı 2018-2023, available in Turkish at: https://bit.ly/2VIssZY.
[2] Relief Web, ‘New Social Cohesion Initiative to Promote Inclusive Migration Management in Turkey’, 4 December 2020, available at: https://bit.ly/3boQeTt.
[3] Information provided by a stakeholder, March 2021.
The Chapter: Reception Conditions in Turkey contains sections on:
A. Access and forms of reception conditions
- Criteria and restrictions to access reception conditions
- Forms and levels of material reception conditions
- Reduction or withdrawal of reception conditions
- Freedom of movement