The Big Picture: Turkish NGOs play key role in Syrian refugee crisis

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The Syrian conflict has created one of the world’s worst refugee crises in modern history. Millions have had to flee the country with desperation.

Turkey has played a key role in this global crisis as it has welcomed over 3.4 million Syrians into its border within six years.

Humanitarian Relief Foundation, a conservative Turkish NGO, distributes food in Gaziantep. /CGTN Photo

The Turkish government claims that it has spent over 25 billion US dollars to host refugees in their country.

Though the government is clearly spending a large budget on refugees, it is not enough to provide for all of the refugees‘ needs. This is where NGOs in Turkey have stepped in and taken on some of the burden – proving to be invaluable.

CGTN correspondent Bardavid interviews a Syrian mother inside a container camp in Hatay. /CGTN Photo

NGOs in Turkey have been working relentlessly to support Syrian refugees in different areas. Many of the organizations are focusing on basic needs such as finding more shelters, or distributing food.

Syrian refugee children at a camp in Hatay, Turkey. /CGTN Photo

Bardavid and a Syrian refugee girl at a camp in Hatay, Turkey. /CGTN Photo

One such NGO is the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), which has been providing food to thousands of refugees daily, both within Turkey and across Syria in camps close to the Turkish border.

A bread factory has even been constructed at the border for the sole purpose of feeding Syrian refugees.

Refugee children sharing food inside a camp at the Turkish border. /CGTN Photo

Other NGOs have been working on more specific issues, such as teaching the Turkish language, as it has become a critical barrier for millions of Syrians now living in Turkey.

Some organizations try to find employment opportunities for refugees to help them get back on their feet and start a new life.

A Syrian child being treated in a medical center in Istanbul. /CGTN Photo

However, one vital issue has been health. The Syrian Nour Association is providing health services for Syrian refugees. Doctors emphasize that doctor-patient communication in Arabic is key in treatment.

Another important issue for NGOs working in health is prosthetics for the many who have lost their limbs due to bombing injuries.

Syrian children at a camp at the Turkish border. /CGTN Photo

Over half of the refugees in Turkey are children, and education has also been a major problem the Turkish government is dealing with.

While NGOs have tried to teach children language skills, in 2018 the government will prepare to transfer more Syrian children into the Turkish education system.

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