On this page, you will find:
To find organisations working for LGBTQI+ rights, visit our Türkiye LGBTQI+ Resources page.
For Türkiye country of information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents visit our Türkiye COI page.
Refugee protection
Click here to see the numbers and origins of refugees hosted by Türkiye.
The following sections contain information on the most important international treaties and agreements of which Türkiye is signatory, as well as national legislation relevant to the protection of refugees.
The Republic of Türkiye is party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees. However, Türkiye maintains the geographical limitation to the 1951 Convention, thus retaining settlement to a third country as the most preferred solution for refugees arriving in Türkiye due to events outside of Europe. Türkiye continues to host the largest number of refugees worldwide, currently home to 3.6 million registered Syrians under temporary protection and close to 320,000 persons of concern from other nationalities.
Türkiye is not party to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
As of 10 September 2018, UNHCR withdrew from all registration, referral, and refugee status determination processes in Türkiye. Since 2018, the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) (formerly, Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM)) has been the sole responsible body for processing all asylum procedures in Türkiye.
The Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu’nun Uygulanmasına dair Yönetmelik) states that international protection applications should be made in person to a Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü). Directorates initiate and undertake the registration and further processing of international protection applications (art. 65). Protection applications can also be made at borders and to law enforcement units. These applications will be immediately referred to a Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
In April 2013, Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (6458 Sayılı Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu) set out the main pillars of Türkiye’s asylum system. Under this legislation, foreigners and others with international protection will not be sent back to countries where they will suffer inhuman treatment, punishment, or persecution on the basis of race, religion, or group membership. The international protection system in Türkiye is laid down in detail in the third section of the aforementioned legislation and there are four different types of protection statuses that can be granted to applicants in Türkiye.
1) Refugee status
According to Article 61 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, a refugee is a person who as a result of events occurring in European countries and owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his citizenship and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it, shall be granted refugee status upon completion of the refugee status determination process.
It should be noted that the geographical restriction on the 1951 Convention is reiterated in the national legislation. Accordingly, Article 3(b) of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection states that “European countries” refer to member countries of the European Council and other countries that may be designated by the Council of Ministers.
2) Conditional refugee status
Conditional refugee status is a concept unique to Turkish law due to Türkiye’s geographical restriction on the 1951 Convention. Conditional refugee status was introduced for the purpose of differentiating between convention refugees originating from non-European countries and those originating from European countries.
Article 62 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection sets forth that a conditional refugee is a person who as a result of events occurring outside European countries and owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it, shall be granted conditional refugee status upon completion of the refugee status determination process.
Conditional refugees are allowed to reside in Türkiye temporarily until they are resettled to a third country.
3) Subsidiary protection status
According to Article 63 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, a foreigner or a stateless person, who neither could be qualified as a refugee nor as a conditional refugee, shall nevertheless be granted subsidiary protection upon the status determination because if returned to the country of origin or country of [former] habitual residence would
a) be sentenced to death or face the execution of the death penalty;
b) face torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
c) face serious threat to himself or herself by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or nationwide armed conflict;
and therefore is unable or for the reason of such threat is unwilling, to avail himself or herself of the protection of his country of origin or country of [former] habitual residence.
The subsidiary protection status in Türkiye is analogous to the subsidiary protection definition provided by the EU Qualification Directive (art.15).
4) Temporary Protection status
In Article 91 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection; the grounds for granting temporary protection are laid down as the following:
Temporary protection may be provided for foreigners who have been forced to leave their country, cannot return to the country that they have left, and have arrived at or crossed the borders of Türkiye in a mass influx situation seeking immediate and temporary protection
The Temporary Protection Regulation (Geçici Koruma Yönetmeliği) was adopted on 22 October 2014, and further details the rights and obligations of individuals under temporary protection in Türkiye, as well as the procedures for granting temporary protection.
For more information regarding the national legal framework in Türkiye, please consult the following sources:
– Law no. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (6458 Sayılı Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu) in Turkish, Persian, and Arabic.
– Website of the Presidency of Migration Management
– UNHCR Türkiye Help Page
– AIDA Country Report on Türkiye
Legal aid organisations
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Email: cases@advocatesabroad.org
Advocates Abroad opened its operations at the Idomeni, Greece border in 2016. Since then, it’s legal, research, interpreter, and psychosocial teams have worked in a variety of countries including Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and Türkiye. Advocates Abroad provides on the ground legal aid as requested, in which qualified lawyers will prepare asylum seekers for interviews, assist in reunification processes, and run information sessions. Advocates Abroad also has around the clock services in 25 different languages, as well as a dedicated group of psychologists, trauma therapists, and other medical professionals to provide evaluations, crisis intervention, and general support.
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Email: info@ahcsa.org
Afghanistan Hazaras Culture and Solidarity Association was established in 2012 in Trabzon. The association works for the rights of refugees, problems related to refugee children, refugee women and elderly refugees as they constitute a risk group. In this context, it offers consultancy, referral, case management and interpreting services. AHCSA has organised many courses in the field of non-formal education and social cohesion in cooperation with local authorities.
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Address: Sahabiye mahallesi. Ahmet paşa bulvarı no 24A kocasinan Kayseri
Tel: +90 352 222 54 81
Email: info@arsa.org.tr
- Protection: ARSA has a robust history of providing social and legal support to refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. The organization actively engages with local communities to ensure the protection and well-being of those it serves. Through various initiatives, ARSA has built a network of support to address the challenges faced by refugees, contributing to their overall safety and security.
- Women’s Support: Recognizing the specific needs of women in vulnerable situations, ARSA has implemented targeted programs to support and empower refugee women. These initiatives encompass various activities, including skill-building programs, awareness campaigns, and advocacy for women’s rights. ARSA’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its efforts to address the unique challenges faced by women in the context of displacement.
- Legal and Information Support: ARSA plays a crucial role in providing legal assistance and information to refugees navigating complex legal landscapes. The organization ensures that refugees have access to accurate information about their rights and available resources. This commitment extends to facilitating legal processes, such as asylum applications, and advocating for the rights of refugees within the legal framework.
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Address: Ürgenpaşa, Antioch, Turkey 31003
Tel: +90 352 222 54 81
Email: info@arsa.org.tr
- Contributing to changing the status of women in Syrian society and supporting them by increasing their awareness of their rights and opportunities through advocacy campaigns, awareness-raising sessions, and meetings with decision-makers and key and influential people, whether in the refugee community or inside Syria.
- Providing psychosocial support services by providing safe spaces for women, girls and children to carry out social activities that relieve life stresses due to asylum.
- Providing specialized services in the psychological and legal field for women affected by violence in all its forms. Especially in times of wars and crises, especially survivors of detention and sexual violence, families of victims of enforced disappearance and victims of human rights violations in all its forms.
- Carrying out capacity-building activities and empowering women at all levels, whether in the political, legal, administrative or professional fields, to truly participate in public affairs or at the family level.
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Tel (Consulting): +90 (0312) 212 60 12
Tel (Administrative): +90 (0312) 212 60 13
Email: info@sgdd-asam.org
Contact Person: Lawyer Sinan Yolalan
The Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (SGDD-ASAM) has over two thousand full-time employees and 55 offices across 30 provinces in Türkiye. The association works on protection, psychosocial support, development of life skills, emergency response, and aid, without discrimination based on language, religion, gender, race, and political opinion. ASAM can assist with legal processes including registration of asylum seekers (non-Syrian) on behalf of the UNHCR Türkiye Office, inform new arrivals on their rights and obligations in Türkiye, protect asylum seekers and refugees arriving in Turkey, provide psychosocial and legal support, and provide assistance (shelter, financial resources, etc.) for the most vulnerable of refugees and asylum seekers.
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Address: Ugur mahalesi 848 sokak no: 16 35260 Konak, İzmir Province, Türkiye
Tel: +90 232 483 54 21
Email: bilgi@multeci.org.tr
The Association for Solidarity with Refugees (MülteciDer) was founded in January 2008 in İzmir. It works in the areas of human rights, humanitarian solidarity, and humanitarian aid, providing services like legal counseling, psychosocial counseling, research, and advocacy. MülteciDer will assist with cases regarding risk of deportation, access to basic rights, non-refoulement, readmission, and migration related child detention and detention of vulnerable groups. MülteciDer will also carry out research and reporting activities on conditions in detention places, and access to basic services such as health, shelter, education, food, and clothing.
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Address: Osmanağa Mahallesi, Çuhadarağa Sokak, Galerium İş Merkezi, No:23/40, Kat:1 Kadıköy / İSTANBUL 34714
Telephone & WhatsApp: (+90) 850 840 2337
Email: iletisim@ateizmdernegi.org.tr
Contact Person: Emir Onur Romano Cilek
S.O.S. Message Center (Persian/Arabic): (+90) 216 550 9063
Email: arap@ateizmdernegi.org.tr
Atheist Refugees Assistance Programme (ARAP) is an initiative under the Ateizm Derneği in Türkiye that supports atheist refugees facing persecution or discrimination. The programme offers the following services:
Temporary Safehouse Accommodation:
Refugees are provided with secure housing for up to 120 days in a safehouse that accommodates up to 15 individuals. This service aims to offer stability and safety while refugees transition to long-term solutions.Legal Support:
Assistance with legal matters related to asylum applications, residency permits, or other refugee-related issues.Psychological and Social Support:
Counselling services to help refugees cope with trauma, stress, and the challenges of displacement.Advocacy and Rights Protection:
The organisation actively advocates for the rights and freedoms of atheist refugees to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.Integration Guidance:
Practical advice and resources to support refugees in areas such as education, employment, and community integration.Community Building:
Creation of a supportive network where refugees can connect with others who share similar experiences.
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Address: Koşuyolu Mahallesi Cenap Şahabettin Sokak No:42 34718, Kadıköy / Istanbul
Tel (Consulting): :+90 850 441 0043
Fax: +90 216 336 2925
Information Line Phone: +90 800 670 1010
Email: bilgi@hayatadestek.org
Email: info@hayatadestek.org
Hayata Destek (Support to Life) is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to providing aid to vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by crises such as natural disasters, conflict, and displacement. The organization focuses on ensuring that all individuals, especially refugees and those in need, have access to their basic rights and essential needs.
Here are some key areas in which they operate:
Emergency Aid: Hayata Destek delivers rapid assistance in the aftermath of disasters, such as providing food, water, shelter, and medical care.
Refugee Support: The organization has a strong focus on refugees and displaced individuals. They provide support in terms of legal assistance, psychosocial support, health services, and integration programs.
Child Protection: A significant part of their work is dedicated to protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect, particularly in crisis situations. They aim to ensure that children are safe and have access to education and care.
Capacity Building and Localization: In addition to direct assistance, Hayata Destek works on strengthening local communities by providing training, resources, and support to build local capacities in crisis management and resilience.
Psychosocial Support and Mental Health: Recognizing the psychological impact of crises, the organization provides mental health support, counseling, and recovery services to help individuals cope with trauma.
The organization operates across various provinces in Türkiye, with a central office in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Their services extend to many affected communities, particularly those who have experienced displacement due to the Syrian conflict, the 2011 earthquake in Van, and other humanitarian crises.
For more detailed information on their programs, contact details, and how to get involved, you can visit their website directly. They also offer opportunities for individuals to join their efforts as volunteers or through other forms of support.
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Address: Turgut Reis Mah. Fatih Bulvarı, No: 306 P.K. 34930, Sultanbeyli/İstanbul/Türkiye
Tel (Consulting): 0 216 784 51 05
Email: info@multeciler.org.tr
The Refugees and Asylum Seekers Assistance and Solidarity Association (RASAS) began providing services to refugees in the Sultanbeyli district of Istanbul in 2014. The organisation aims to find solutions for individuals who have fled their countries and require international protection. It works to increase access to rights and services, facilitate adaptation to social life, and improve social welfare without discrimination based on language, religion, race, gender, age, disability, or political opinion. Services are provided at multiple locations in Sultanbeyli and Ümraniye.
RASAS operates within five sectors, providing comprehensive and holistic services guided by a social welfare approach. These sectors include:
Protection Sector: Conducts social investigations and vulnerability assessments, offering psychosocial support to applicants. Services include social counselling, women and child welfare, legal counselling, and social assistance. A Social Market service operates within the scope of food banking to meet basic needs.
Health Sector: Provides health counselling, medical history assessments, hospital accompaniment, periodic follow-ups, physical therapy, rehabilitation, orthosis, prosthesis, assistive device support, medication assistance, and speech therapy services to enhance living standards.
Education Sector: Offers academic support for children and youth facing educational barriers. Programs include preschool education, psychological counselling and guidance for families, and Turkish language courses. A child-friendly area is also provided.
Livelihoods Sector: Strengthens access to the labour market through competence development, employment orientation, career guidance, entrepreneurship support, and consultancy services for work permits and licensing.
Social Cohesion Sector: Promotes harmony between host and refugee communities through socio-cultural empowerment activities. These include workshops, solidarity groups, key actor meetings, special day events, and cultural, artistic, and sports activities.
Legal Counselling Services
RASAS has offered legal counselling services as part of its protection activities since 2017. These services assist refugees with legal challenges through face-to-face or telephone support. The association helps refugees draft petitions, provides referrals, offers accompaniment, and conducts case follow-ups. Seminars are organised to enhance legal knowledge and capacity. Interpreters proficient in multiple languages facilitate communication and, when necessary, accompany refugees outside the organisation.
RASAS is strategically located near the Sultanbeyli Coordination Centre and the Tuzla Removal Centre. These centres handle procedures such as temporary protection identity applications and updates. Refugees often face challenges securing appointments and navigating procedures, which RASAS alleviates through its proximity and trusted reputation. The organisation provides vital legal support to detainees and their families, ensuring their rights are upheld and legal needs addressed effectively.
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Address:
Osmanağa Mahallesi, Kırtasiyeci Sokak, No: 15, Daire: 13, Kadıköy/İstanbul
Tel (Consulting): 0850 441 62 84
Email: mavikalem@mavikalem.org
Mavi Kalem Association
(Mavi Kalem Sosyal Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışma Derneği) is a non-profit organisation based in Turkey, dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities, particularly women, children, and refugees. The organisation supports those affected by crises such as natural disasters, displacement, and social inequality, ensuring they have access to essential services and basic rights.
Key Areas of Operation:
Emergency Aid and Disaster Response
Mavi Kalem provides immediate support to communities affected by natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods. Their aid includes distributing food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, and medical supplies to those in need.Support for Refugees and Migrants
The organisation places a strong emphasis on assisting refugees and displaced individuals, particularly those affected by the Syrian crisis. Services provided include:- Psychosocial support
- Health and hygiene awareness
- Educational programmes to support the integration of children and families
Women and Child Protection
A central focus of Mavi Kalem’s work is protecting vulnerable women and children from exploitation, violence, and neglect. Their programmes aim to:- Promote gender equality
- Empower women through training and support
- Ensure children’s access to education, safety, and care in crisis situations
Health Awareness and Community Well-being
Mavi Kalem organises health education campaigns to raise awareness about hygiene, disease prevention, and reproductive health. These initiatives target underprivileged communities to improve their overall well-being.Education and Capacity Building
The organisation actively engages in educational support by offering literacy courses, vocational training, and workshops to help individuals and families become self-sufficient. They also focus on empowering local communities to build resilience and respond to future crises.Psychosocial Support
Recognising the mental health challenges faced by those affected by trauma and crises, Mavi Kalem provides counselling, psychosocial support, and community-building activities to help individuals recover and rebuild their lives.
Address: Birlik, 411. Sk. No:9/2 D:3, 06610 Çankaya/Ankara
Tel (Consulting): 0850 455 000
Email: info@ysyd.org
The Yerel ve Sığınmacılarla Yardımlaşma Derneği (YSYD) delivers comprehensive support to those affected by crises, both natural and human-made.”
- Emergency aid and response.
- Healthcare and psychosocial support.
- Access to food security and clean water.
- Long-term development and empowerment initiatives for vulnerable groups, such as refugees and migrants.
- Legal assistance and consultations to help individuals navigate legal challenges.
Their holistic approach aims to improve the physical, emotional, and legal well-being of affected populations.
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Legal Information Website – Legal information available in English, Spanish, Creole, Arabic, Pashto, Farsi (Dari).
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) provides free legal help to some refugees and displaced people. IRAP cannot grant refugee status or visas or speed up cases. IRAP cannot provide financial help, find or pay for housing, or find jobs. They do not make any decisions concerning resettlement and they are completely independent of UNHCR and national governments. Any information sent to IRAP is highly confidential, and all services are free of charge. IRAP provides free legal services to refugees seeking refugee protection and resettlement.
IRAP can help some people in processes like:
- Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa applications. IRAP helps with some kinds of Chief of Mission appeals.
- Family reunification for refugees with relatives in the United States and in some European countries. IRAP helps with some stages and some kinds of family reunification processes.
- UNHCR processes. IRAP represents some refugees in certain UNHCR processes in certain countries.
- U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) applications. IRAP helps with some kinds of Requests for Review (RFRs) of USRAP denials.
- Some other processes, like refugees in the U.S. applying for a refugee travel document.
Anyone can request legal help through their chatbot on Facebook by clicking here or on Telegram by clicking here.
This webform is for Afghan SIV applicants who want to file or have received denials from the Chief of Mission (COM) and who do not currently have an application or appeal pending review at COM to request legal help.
IRAP Jordan accepts requests for assistance through this form. The form is only available when IRAP Jordan is accepting new requests for assistance. If the form is not available, please check back to that link regularly.
IRAP is not able to assist everyone who contacts them, and emailing them or getting in touch does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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Address: Refik Saydam Cad. Dilber Apt. No: 39 Kat: 4 Daire: 11 Sishane, Beyoglu – Istanbul
General Tel: +90 212 292 48 30
General Fax: +90 212 292 48 33
RRT General Legal Assistance Helpdesk:
For Arabic, English and French calls: 0549 510 52 02
For Farsi and Turkish calls: 0549 510 52 03
RRT Detention Helpdesk:
Requests and referrals for detention cases only: 0507 218 62 85
General email: info@mhd.org.tr
Contact Person: Oktay Durukan, Director
RRT is an independent NGO based in Istanbul, providing specialized legal information and assistance to asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Türkiye, including persons in immigration detention. RRT offers legal services in relation to national asylum procedures for refugees from both Syria and other countries of origin, deportation and immigration procedures, and general access to rights and services questions. RRT also offers comprehensive legal materials and videos for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, all of which are delivered in a variety of languages.
Organisations providing other support to refugees
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Address: Osmanağa Mahallesi, Çuhadarağa Sokak, Galerium İş Merkezi, No:23/40, Kat:1 Kadıköy / İSTANBUL 34714
Telephone & WhatsApp: (+90) 850 840 2337
Email: iletisim@ateizmdernegi.org.tr
Contact Person: Emir Onur Romano Cilek
S.O.S. Message Center (Persian/Arabic): (+90) 216 550 9063
Email: arap@ateizmdernegi.org.tr
Atheist Refugees Assistance Programme (A.R.A.P.) is an initiative under the Ateizm Derneği in Türkiye that supports atheist refugees facing persecution or discrimination. The programme offers the following services:
Temporary Safehouse Accommodation:
Refugees are provided with secure housing for up to 120 days in a safehouse that accommodates up to 15 individuals. This service aims to offer stability and safety while refugees transition to long-term solutions.Legal Support:
Assistance with legal matters related to asylum applications, residency permits, or other refugee-related issues.Psychological and Social Support:
Counselling services to help refugees cope with trauma, stress, and the challenges of displacement.Advocacy and Rights Protection:
The organisation actively advocates for the rights and freedoms of atheist refugees to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.Integration Guidance:
Practical advice and resources to support refugees in areas such as education, employment, and community integration.Community Building:
Creation of a supportive network where refugees can connect with others who share similar experiences.
CARE Türkiye is responding to the refugee crisis with cash assistance, hygiene promotion, dignity kits for women and the elderly, and by establishing community groups that address protection issues, including psychosocial needs, early marriage, and gender-based violence.
However, significant gaps between needs and response persist. Our programming in Türkiye focuses on protection, basic needs, and economic empowerment for refugees, especially women and girls.
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Address: Gumussuyu Mah. A Ciragi Sk. N7 Daire 3, Beyoğlu – İstanbul
Tel: +90 212 292 68 42 – 43
Fax: +90 0 212 292 68 44
Email: iletisim@hyd.org.tr
Contact Person: Tuba Dokur (tuba@hyd.org.tr) / Fatma Melek Taylan (meletaylan@gmail.com)
The Citizens’ Assembly is an NGO based in Istanbul that promotes fundamental rights and liberties, as well as democracy and pluralism. Although it does not directly provide legal aid to refugees, it collaborates with Bar Associations and lawyers throughout Turkey. The Citizens’ Assembly is a member of the advisory committee on the SILA project, and Urfa Bar Association Refugee Commission. The Citizens’ Assembly provides psychosocial and primary healthcare to Syrian refugees living in Kilis, Turkey and advocates for legislation and policies in line with international standards, as well as monitors state policies and practices in irregular migration control.
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Address: Ali Kuşçu Mah. Fatih Türbesi Sokak No: 31 Daire: 2 , İstanbul / TÜRKİYE
Tel (Consulting): 444 2 157
Fax: +90(212) 531 20 26
Email: info@umhd.org.tr
The International Refugee Rights Association (UMHD) is dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of refugees. The organisation:
Provides legal support to refugees, assisting them in navigating legal systems and securing their rights in various countries. This includes offering advice, representation, and helping refugees understand their legal entitlements and obligations.
Collaborates with international organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other human rights groups to advocate for refugee rights and develop policies that protect displaced individuals.
Conducts research and studies on the issues faced by refugees, examining the legal, social, and economic challenges they encounter. This research helps to inform policy recommendations and actions.
Regularly visits refugee camps to address the legal needs of refugees, providing on-the-ground support by offering advice, resources, and addressing legal concerns.
Actively works to raise awareness about violations against refugees, such as forced displacement, human rights abuses, and the need for international protection. Through campaigns, events, and publications, they highlight these issues.
Assists refugees with applications for asylum and relocation to other countries, including helping with paperwork, preparing legal cases, and guiding individuals through the application process.
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Address: Enis Behic Koryurek Sokak, No: 15, Aziziye Mahallesi, Cankaya Ankara, 06690 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel (Consulting): 4444868
Phone: +90 (312) 4097300
Fax: +90 (312) 4412173
Email: turan@unhcr.org
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides essential support to refugees and displaced persons in Turkey. Their services include:
Legal Protection: Assisting with legal documents, residency permits, and ensuring refugees are not forcibly returned to unsafe situations.
Durable Solutions: Supporting resettlement to third countries, facilitating voluntary repatriation, and promoting local integration.
Humanitarian Aid: Providing food, shelter, healthcare, and education, along with financial and material assistance.
Protection Against Violence: Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and offering support for vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied children.
Psychosocial Support: Offering psychological counselling and social services for those affected by trauma.
Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness and collaborating with governments and organizations to support refugees’ rights and needs.
Through these efforts, UNHCR aims to protect refugees in Turkey, improve their living conditions, and help them rebuild their lives.
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Address: Tomtom Mahallesi Yeniçarşı Caddesi No:34 Beyoğlu 34425 İstanbul
Tel (Consulting): +90 212 293 16 05
Ağrı
Address: Leylek Pınar Mah. 1704. Sok. No: 10/13 Ağrı
Tel: 0541 579 94 04Ankara
Address: Atatürk Bulvarı No: 219/4 Kavaklıdere Çankaya-Ankara
Tel: 0312 428 3011Bilecik
Address: İstiklal Mah. Ali Rıza Özkay Cad. Belediye Sok. No: 24-26 Daire: 2-3-4 Merkez-Bilecik
Tel: 0228 212 1164Eskişehir
Address: Hoşnudiye Mah. İsmet İnönü-1 Cad. No: 45/2 Tepebaşı-Eskişehir
Tel: 0222 234 6442İstanbul Beyoğlu
Address: Asmalı Mescit Mah. Asmalı Mescit Cad. Nil Han No: 16/10-11 Beyoğlu-İstanbul
Tel: 0212 254 17 76Kütahya
Address: Saray Mah. Kızılelma Sok. No: 68/4 A Blok Merkez-Kütahya
Tel: 0274 223 2627Van
Address: Halilağa Mah. Kazım Karabekir Cad. Ezar Plaza İş Merkezi No: 123 Kat: 3 Daire 38 İpekyolu-Van
Tel: 0432 216 0534İstanbul Esenler
Address: Kazım Karabekir Mah. 1001. Sok. No: 2 Esenler-İstanbul
Tel: 0212 562 50 62
Email: ikgv@ikgv.org
The Human Resources Development Foundation (İKGV) is a non-profit organisation based in Turkey, committed to supporting vulnerable populations, including refugees, migrants, and local communities, particularly in times of crisis. The foundation works in collaboration with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and other humanitarian entities to provide comprehensive support services.
Key Areas of Work:
Legal Assistance: The organisation offers legal support to refugees, migrants, and displaced individuals, helping them navigate asylum procedures and understand their rights under Turkish and international law.
Psychosocial Support: İKGV provides vital mental health services, including counselling and psychosocial assistance, to help individuals cope with the trauma caused by displacement, conflict, and other hardships.
Material Assistance: The foundation distributes essential items such as food, clothing, and hygiene kits to those in need, particularly in the wake of emergencies or ongoing displacement situations.
Community Support and Capacity Building: İKGV works on strengthening local communities by providing training, resources, and guidance to build their resilience and better respond to social challenges and emergencies.
Refugee and Migrant Assistance: The foundation offers tailored support to refugees, with a particular focus on those affected by the Syrian conflict, including integration programmes, educational support, and healthcare services.
İKGV operates across multiple provinces in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir, Kütahya, Van, and Ağrı, with its primary office located in Istanbul. The organisation’s services focus on empowering individuals and communities through legal advocacy, psychological support, and direct humanitarian assistance, ensuring that refugees and other vulnerable groups have access to their fundamental rights and a better quality of life.
Website
Contact Person: Barış Karacasu / Günizi Satar
Email: baris@ihd.org.tr and hukuk@ihd.org.tr
IHD was founded in 1986 following the military coup d’état of September 1980. The association was created by the relatives of prisoners, intellectuals, writers, journalists, doctors, lawyers, and a variety of other human rights defenders. Today IHD continues its work to protect the right to life, abolish capital punishment, prevent executions, and find forcibly displaced persons. IHD publishes reports, press releases, and investigates complaints regarding a number of human rights violations including explosive ordinance, freedom of expression, violence against women and children, and forced disappearances. You can access the complaint form here.
Website
Address: Güniz Sokak 38/8 06700 Kavaklıdere/Ankara -TURKEY
Tel: 0090 312 428 06 10-11
Fax: 0090 312 428 06 13
Email: posta@rightsagenda.org
The HRAA, an independent national NGO, was founded in 2002 in İzmir. It currently has three offices in Ankara, İzmir, and Diyarbakir. In addition to monitoring human rights status activities in both Turkey and neighboring countries, the HRAA works to promote awareness of rights under international and European law. HRAA carries out research and professional workshops to promote the analysis and development of a common understanding of European asylum law, cooperation among domestic and international NGOs, and to improve living conditions of migrants.
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Address: Tavsanli Apt. Kat 4 No 11 / Diyarbakir / Turkey
Tel: +90 41 22 24 44 77
Fax: +90 41 22 28 88 80
Email: sohram@hotmail.com
SOHRAM-CASA, in Diyarbakir, works with survivors of violence and torture. Its website navigates fully in Turkish and the organisation offers therapy and medical assistance to those impacted by violence and torture. They will also assist in the preparation of legal reports and consultations for survivors. SOHRAM-CASA also carries out research and educative programmes.
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Address: Gaziosmanpaşa Mahallesi, Nenehatun Caddesi, Şairler Sokak No:7/2- Çankaya/ANKARA
Tel: (0312) 436 74 78
Email: igam@igamder.org
The IGAM (International Group for the Assistance of Migrants) provides legal, social, and psychological support to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. They focus on protecting human rights, particularly through advocacy, legal aid, and empowerment programs. IGAM also works on integration efforts for refugees in Turkey, promoting awareness and social inclusion.
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Last updated December 2024
