How are Turkish NGOs helping Syrian refugees?

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The UN estimates that more than three million Syrian refugees are in Turkey. They have flocked to the neighboring country over the past six years, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. The Turkish government has let them stay and tried to support their needs, but it's no easy task.

NGOs in Turkey have proven themselves invaluable, sharing much of the burden in a crisis that is still ongoing. They have taken action in many areas, providing basic needs including food, education, health and business.

Many NGOs have created specific programs for different needs. Some provide Turkish language courses, others distribute clothes, or teach adults skills they can use in order to find employment.

Syrian refugees walk among tents at Karkamis refugee camp, near the town of Gaziantep, in Turkey. /AFP Photo

Doctor Mehdi Davut, president of the Syrian Nour Association, stressed that when it comes to aid, there is no room for discrimination.

"At the camps, we don't ask anyone if they're Sunni or Alawite, there's no such thing. We ask, 'Do you need a tent? We have one, so you are welcome.' That's all," Davut, who works closely with refugees, said.

One major issue for refugees is health. "Communication between doctors and patients is a critical problem. If the patient doesn't clearly understand the doctor he or she cannot heal," Davut said.

A Syrian refugee girl washes her face next to her mother and sisters in Akcakale, in Sanliurfa Province, Turkey. /Reuters Photo

Medical experts also emphasize the importance for Syrian refugees to be treated by Syrian doctors. Some illnesses are specific to regions and Turkish doctors may not be familiar with the treatment that is required.

Humanitarian Relief Foundation "IHH" is another organization that has been working to support Syrian refugees across the country.

The NGO has a factory at the border town of Kilis which produces and distributes bread in the hundreds of thousands.

IHH also focuses on medical issues and has a prosthetic center. Many refugees suffer from injuries resulting from bombing and improvised explosive devices (IED) and have lost their limbs. Their condition can potentially have severe physical and psychological effects on their lives.

In 2018, one of the main focuses for the Turkish government and the country's NGOs will be the education of over a million Syrian children currently in Turkey.