Page 57 - Syrians in Türkiye - Special Report

GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TÜRKİYE THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION

Even though there are translators’ appointments being made within the framework
of the relevant legislation to the governorates and institutions serving refugees for
interpreting services, it is clear that the need is enormous. The need for interpreters
is emerging in areas where high numbers of Syrians live, from schools to medical
institutions, from municipalities to course locations, and from security units to media
organizations. In this regard, to meet the needs for interpreters, it is important to create
opportunities for more effective utilization of Turkmens who came to Türkiye from
Syria or from the other countries in the region and Turkish citizens who have learned
Arabic from their families, typically those living in the areas such as Hatay, Mardin, Kilis,
and Şanlıurfa.

III. INFORMING ACTIVITIES

The YIMER 157 (Communication Center for Foreigners) line, established within
DGMM in order to provide effective, uninterrupted, and fast service to foreigners,
responds to information requests from foreigners about issues such as visas, residency,
international protection, and temporary protection; at the same time, it serves as a
helpline and hotline for victims of human trafficking. In addition to giving information
to foreigners, the representatives who respond to calls at YIMER 157 record complaints
related to all matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the DGMM. They report
complaints to the related units of the institution, follow the results, and provide feedback.
YIMER 157 provides help to foreigners who are in need of emergency assistance in
coordination with the related foreign law enforcement agencies.

In addition to DGMM, the Turkish Red Crescent, the Ministry of Family and Social
Policy, the Directorate General of National Police, and many national and international
NGOs have been working on providing information to foreigners.

Within the scope of the Turkish Red Crescent Society Project, we learned that a variety
of services are provided for Syrians in health and education, registration procedures, and
basic rights, and these services include field studies to evaluate the needs for guidance,
informative services for Syrians, and access to Syrians who live in villages, to be able to
provide healthcare, rehabilitation, social services, disability insurance, legal assistance
and so on.

Similarly, we have learned that the Directorate General of National Police has printed
informative brochures in Turkish, Arabic, and English and sent them to the provincial
police directorates in order to expedite the social integration process for Syrians and to
improve the services provided.

SYRIANS IN TÜRKİYE SPECIAL REPORT 57