Page 152 - Syrians in Türkiye - Special Report

GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TÜRKİYE THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION

but also throughout the country in order to ensure regular coverage of Syrians who
have escaped from the war. If Syrians outside the TACs do not live at their registered
addresses, psychosocial support services are also disrupted. In this context, strengthening
existing communication and coordination between MFSP and DGMM, which holds
the records of the Syrians, is of importance.

Community centers are very important and provide critical services for Syrians residing
outside of TACs. Multi-purpose community centers have the potential to play a special
role in the integration of Syrians in Türkiye, and an important function of these centers
is providing legal information and counseling services. It was observed during the field
visit to the Red Crescent Community Center that the women who participated in
the course were socialized, learn a skill, and are happy, and children whose mothers
participated in these courses could spend time in child-friendly spaces. However, it
should be noted that this is a project, and its sustainability must be ensured. On the
other hand, NGOs that request to open a community center need to be scrutinized
and their activities controlled. It may also be useful to have liaison officers from MFSP
when considering the services provided by community centers operated by NGOs. For
example, if any domestic violence or sexual abuse cases are detected, or if unaccompanied
children are found during the field visits, the presence of a ministry official will ensure
that the appropriate procedures are performed in the most accurate and expedient
manner possible.

Interpretation services are important in every area of the process; however, this becomes
more important when the subject is psychosocial support. Especially women and
children, who are among vulnerable groups, need to trust the person they are talking to
and communicate properly so that they can share the trauma they are experiencing. So, it
is important that the person who will provide the translation service is experienced and
well-equipped in this area. In this context, there is also a need for Syrian professional
staff.

In addition, we have determined that improvements in benefits for temporary staff
working in TECs, including MFSP staff, are necessary, and that would motivate the
staff and increase the quality of the services provided. The staff who are providing
psychosocial support to Syrians may occasionally experience secondary trauma, and
the effects of such secondary trauma should not be ignored in the planning of these
services. It is important to keep data on the psychosocial support services provided by
the MFSP, and sound reporting is vital in facilitating and planning such services.

152 SYRIANS IN TÜRKİYE SPECIAL REPORT