Türkiye
- 4 million-plus
- refugees
- 3.3 million
- people displace by earthquake in February 2023
- 2.2 million
- people reached by WFP in 2023
The Republic of Türkiye has benefited from continuous economic growth over the past two decades. Investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social assistance have led to significant progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Türkiye hosts the largest global refugee population, at 3.7 million people. Around 63,000 of the most vulnerable live in eight camps in the southeast, while the majority live in cities and villages throughout the country.
Despite progress, recent economic downturn and inflation mean greater efforts are needed to reduce poverty among refugees, half of whom are children. Almost a third of Türkiye’s population still live below the national poverty line.
Two large earthquakes in February 2023 saw nearly 3.3 million people displaced and major disruption to labour and supply chains.
In coordination with the Government, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) operations aim to build self-reliance among both vulnerable refugees and Turkish people, with a renewed focus on the short- to medium-term recovery of the most vulnerable groups in the earthquake-affected regions.
What the World Food Programme is doing in Türkiye
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Emergency assistance and recovery
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In response to the devastating earthquakes in early 2023, WFP reached 1.6 million people with family food packages, cooked meals and/or ready-to-eat rations across 11 provinces. Government social registries were used to assist 600,000 of the most vulnerable people with cash-based assistance, with electronic transfers meaning they could meet immediate needs. In line with changing government priorities, WFP transitioned from emergency to recovery efforts six months after the earthquakes, with a focus on supporting the restoration of the once-vibrant food sector of the earthquake-affected areas.
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e-Voucher programme
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WFP and its partners provide e-voucher cards to Syrian and Ukrainian refugees in accommodation centres across eastern and southeastern Türkiye. These provide US$11 per month and are redeemable in local shops – giving beneficiaries choice and increasing their self-reliance.
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Livelihood support
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WFP’s Socioeconomic Empowerment and Sustainability Programme uses vocational and on-the-job training so vulnerable refugees and members of host communities can find employment. The programme builds skills in areas including manufacturing, textiles, and food and beverage services.
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Northwest Syria corridor
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WFP supports UN and other humanitarian actors with storage, transportation and transit of humanitarian goods from Türkiye to Syria, via a hub from southeast Türkiye managed by the WFP-led Logistics Cluster.
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Goods and services
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Due to its strategic geographic location, efficient port function, food production, processing and extended logistic services, Türkiye has quickly grown as a key strategic partner for WFP global procurement – topping the list of countries WFP purchased food from in the past two years.
In focus
Türkiye news releases
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Office
Rafet Canıtez Caddesi No: 107 Oran Çankaya, Ankara
06450
Türkiye
Phone
(+90) 312 491 11 38
Fax
(+90) 312 495 0731