Context
The violent conflict in Syria and the associated refugee crisis are affecting the entire region. Around 2.9 million Syrian refugees are currently still living in Türkiye. Many of them are suffering from psychological stress due to traumatic experiences before and during their flight. In addition, there are challenges in the host country such as existential fears, integration difficulties, loneliness and conflicts with the host population.
In February 2023, a severe earthquake in Türkiye claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people, leaving millions homeless and without a livelihood. The psychological effects among refugees and residents of the host communities range from grief, despair and anger to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression and suicides.
The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 triggers contradictory emotions among Syrian refugees. They fluctuate between happiness, uncertainty and the fear of being left with nothing again when they return.
People's ability to survive and overcome crises depends largely on how they manage to cope with these psychological burdens in their everyday lives.
Objective
The project "Mental Health and Psychosocial support for Syrian Refugees and Residents of Host Communities" improves the quality of and access to MHPSS services.
Approach
To this end, it works with government and civil society partners to develop needs-based and context-sensitive strategies and approaches. It networks relevant actors from government, civil society and academia with a view to strengthening the integrated provision of MHPSS services. In addition, the project provides training to develop the capacities of MHPSS and non-MHPSS specialists and interpreters who work in psychological, psychiatric and psychosocial counselling.