Safeguarding Childhood in Emergencies: Türkiye Launches Groundbreaking Protection Partnership Between the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, the European Union, and UNICEF

Ankara, 7 April 2025 – A major new initiative aimed at improving access to effective child protection and legal support services for vulnerable children and families affected by the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye was launched today in Gaziantep. Jointly implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, and UNICEF, and funded by the European Union, the three-year project carries a total budget of EUR 9.6 million.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye, the new project will focus on rebuilding and strengthening protection systems under the guiding principle of “building back better”, aiming to further protect children against all kinds of risks.

The initiative aims to expand access to child-friendly legal aid, mental health and psychosocial support, and parenting support services. It will deliver specialized training for social service professionals and enhance coordination among key institutions to ensure timely and effective case management for vulnerable children.

Operating across the 11 most severely affected provinces—as well as three additional cities hosting large numbers of displaced populations—the project is expected to directly benefit 117,000 children in need of protection and legal support. As part of the project, four community-based “Child Life” centers will be established in the four hardest-hit provinces. These centers will provide safe spaces and holistic services to support children and their caregivers.

Speaking at the launch event, Serpil Ahu Demiralp, General Directorate of Child Services, Head of R&D Department, underlined that the Ministry is implementing decisive policies in the field of child protection: "This project is an important investment for today's children and future generations. With the centers to be established in the earthquake region, support mechanisms will be provided in accordance with the needs of children. The project will provide trainings for the experts who will work in the centers, thus ensuring the right interventions for children in times of crisis. As a result of the project, a solid foundation will be created to ensure the safety of our children by increasing capacity not only in emergencies but also in long-term services.

Additionally, tailored interventions will be provided to 53,000 parents, caregivers, and close relatives to enhance their psychosocial well-being and equip them with positive parenting practices to support their children.

Filippo Mazzarelli, Chief of UNICEF Türkiye's Gaziantep Field Office, emphasized UNICEF’s role in the project: “Children affected by the earthquakes require on going, sustained support. This initiative aims to strengthen protective systems, empower families, and ensure that no child is left behind without child protection assistance in the aftermath of an emergency. UNICEF, which played an integral part of the development of this project, will both provide technical expertise and be an implementing partner. UNICEF is proud to partner with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Turkish Bar Association, and the European Union in this vital effort.”

Demet Özkan Baltat, Head of the Department for Political Affairs, Directorate for EU Affairs, emphasized that a significant share of the earthquake aid of the EU under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) was allocated to support for vulnerable groups including children. She also highlighted that in the IPA Fundamental Rights Sector, in which the Directorate for EU Affairs serves as the Lead Institutions, the budget allocated to the children's rights projects amounted to 14 millions euro since 2014, a vital contribution to a better future for our children.

Mehmet Caner Demir, Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, remarked:“The European Union is proud to support this project in advancing child protection in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes. We are confident that the work we launch today will have a lasting impact on thousands of children and families across the region”.

Through a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach, the project will enhance child protection services, promote community engagement, and support national policies to create a safer environment for children. By working together, the partners aim to build a future where every child in Türkiye receives the protection and care they deserve.