In 2014, Türkiye became the country hosting the world’s largest number of refugees. More than 3.6 million of an estimated 4 million refugees that have sought safe haven in Türkiye are from neighboring war-torn Syria.
In 2023, southern Türkiye and Northwest Syria were struck by devastating earthquakes, impacting over 9 million people and causing widespread destruction.
Relief International swiftly responded to this crisis, leveraging over a decade of continuous service delivery in Türkiye . Our comprehensive intervention focuses on ensuring safe and inclusive access to rehabilitation services for earthquake-affected communities, including refugees and internally displaced individuals. With a targeted approach towards vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities, RI partners closely with local organizations (UOSSM in Kilis and NSPPL in Reyhanli) to provide essential physical rehabilitation services.
Our proposed action encompasses a holistic case management approach, delivering comprehensive physical rehabilitation and psychosocial support services, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and assistive devices. Through a network of referral pathways, RI identifies and addresses protection risks, with a survivor-based approach for gender-based violence and child protection cases. We prioritize gender-inclusiveness, ensuring same-sex therapists and staff are available to cater to diverse needs.
Additionally, RI engages in advocacy, capacity building, and coordination efforts to enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities. Our advocacy papers, workshops, and coordination mechanisms, including the disability and inclusion task team and the annual inclusion summit, aim to foster inclusive services and programs. As part of our commitment to comprehensive rehabilitation, RI continues support for physical rehabilitation centers in Kilis and Hatay, providing physiotherapy, mobility aids, and psychosocial counseling.
In response to the heightened need post-earthquake, RI raises awareness on health-related topics and promotes healthy community practices. We address immediate and long-term rehabilitation needs, ensuring individuals regain their independence and well-being in earthquake-affected regions.
As of 2023, RI has provided 1,320 individuals with specialized rehabilitation services, underscoring our dedication to holistic care and community resilience amidst crisis.