Context and brief history
The five-year conflict in Syria has killed hundreds of thousands of people and ruined the lives of many more by causing internal and external displacement. More than 4.6 million Syrians are currently living in the neighbouring countries, and the crisis has spread over the region, producing further displacement into more safe areas. In Turkey, the number of Syrian people under temporary protection has surpassed 2.5 million; with 275,000 people currently living in camps established by the Turkish Government. Due to the conflict in Syria, the Turkish Red Crescent has been organizing extensive relief activities in and off camps as well as on the border within the scope of the humanitarian relief operation to alleviate the consequences of the Syria crisis.
An IFRC emergency appeal was launched on 9 November 2012 on behalf of the Turkish Red Crescent for CHF 32,311,219 for a period of six months to assist 170,000 people. Revised on 28 May 2013 to reflect the expected growth of the camp population to 225,000 Syrians accommodated in 19 camps, the appeal budget was increased to CHF 44,183,265. On 18 November 2013 a second revision increased the budget to CHF 44.5 million for supporting up to 250,000 people and extended the timeframe of the operation until 30 June 2014. A third revision extended the appeal timeframe until 31 December 2015 and included a component of orientation and psychosocial services in urban areas and support for operational cost. The fourth revision extended the appeal timeframe until 30 June 2016 and had a deeper focus on long-term community support for displaced people and host communities in urban areas, while preserving the TRC`s mandate for support in protection camps. A six month operation update will be published in February covering the latest developments in the operation including information on the expected revision of the current operation in terms of increasing the number of community centres operated by the Turkish Red Crescent. Additional needs will be included for the newly arrived displaced people as well as for the people remaining in the camps and urban areas.
The current situation
On 29 and 30 January 2016, due to increasing bombing in Obin and Türkmendağı villages, 5,681 Syrians came to the Güveççi border crossing. For the population to be accommodated, activities to set up a camp with 800 tents are continuing. After the registration process by related government institutions, some of the Syrians have been accommodated in the camp in Güveççi while others have been transferred to camps in other regions.
Since 5 February 2016, heavy shelling in Aleppo has forced thousands of people to flee the area and head towards Kilis close to Turkey’s border with Syria. It is estimated that as many as 70,0001 people could be on the move following days of intense bombing. Currently, up to 35,000 people are waiting on the Syrian side of the border, and the Turkish Red Crescent is providing food and shelter as part of their relief activities.
The fighting in Syria is expected to continue, with intensified ground clashes and airstrikes. The highest concern is a potential siege of opposition-controlled areas, home to an estimated 300,000 people. Therefore, humanitarian needs will increase, and more people will be on the move towards the Turkish border, where the conditions are currently harsh. The number of displaced population in this scenario is likely to surpass 100,000.