Refugee and Migrant Services
The Charity and Solidarity Foundation’s Refugee and Migrant Services Program aims to support and empower disadvantaged refugees and migrants. The program prioritizes the needs of individuals in more vulnerable situations (such as patients, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals) by providing access to necessary services.
- SEVKAR Information Center: Provides counseling, translation, and information support to ensure refugees and migrants can access their basic rights and state-provided services (such as education, social protection, health, and shelter). These services are offered by lawyers and experienced field staff. Vulnerable groups (such as women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities) are prioritized.
- Legal Counseling: Our experienced lawyers provide counseling and accompaniment services on priority issues, including child protection, women’s protection, civil rights, and asylum seeker rights. This counseling aims to protect the rights of refugees and migrants and guide them in accessing public services.
- Informational and Awareness-Raising Sessions: Q&A sessions with lawyers are organized to provide information on fundamental rights, access to social services, women’s health, general rights against gender-based violence, stress, and trauma management. These sessions are conducted with the participation of experts in the field.
Health and Medical Support
- Surgical and Medical Support: For children with serious health issues who need surgery, we cover necessary surgical costs, medical devices, and medications.
- Support for Disabled Individuals: Medical devices and supplies such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, glasses, and adult diapers are provided to disabled individuals.
- Support for the Elderly: Medical supplies, market vouchers, and food packages are provided for elderly individuals. Additionally, information and guidance on accessing necessary services are offered.
Support for Women and Children
- Support for Women Experiencing Violence: Legal counseling, information on rights, and support for food and rent are provided to women who have experienced violence.
- Income-Generating Workshops: Craft workshops are organized for women in need to help them acquire skills that enable them to earn income. The handmade products created by these women are sold through SEVKAR Foundation’s Commercial Enterprise, allowing them to generate income.
- Support for Children’s Education: Assistance such as stationery, school uniforms, digital tablets, and cash support is provided to children struggling to continue their education due to financial difficulties. Basic necessities like food, milk, diapers, formula, and clothing are also provided to children with special needs.
- Combatting Early Marriage and Child Labor: Awareness-raising activities for families and cooperation with public institutions are developed to combat early marriage and child labor.
Activities in Hatay Before the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
Since the onset of the Syrian crisis in 2014, SEVKAR Foundation has conducted various activities for refugees and migrants in Hatay:
- Child-Friendly Spaces: Areas have been established to support children’s psychosocial development and skills through various activities.
- Social Activities for Youth: Trips and social activities for young people have been organized.
- Social Activities and Seminars for Women: Social activities and informational seminars for women have been arranged.
- Market Voucher Distribution: Market vouchers have been distributed to households in need to support their basic needs.
- Self Help Center: A lending center for borrowing and returning daily necessities has been established.
- Community Benefit Activities: Activities such as park cleaning, beach litter collection, and painting of playgrounds have been organized with young people to benefit the community.
