Syrian refugees in Turkey: exploring the role of I/NGOs in refugee crisis

Abstract

This article analyses the role that nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations play in managing Syrian refugees’ basic needs and access to public services. This research is based on a qualitative approach. We collected information on the role of the NGOs through interviews (from 42 respondents, with NGOs and civil society organisations, selected on a snowball basis) in Turkey. We found that the NGOs play an important role in substantiating the government’s efforts in providing various kinds of basic services to the refugees. However, these NGOs suffer from insufficient funds and uncertain funding commitments. On top of this, there has been a lack of cooperation between the NGOs. This study touches upon the importance of NGOs in terms of structural and practical difficulties. Cooperation and collaboration among the NGOs have appeared as important issues in dealing with the refugee crisis in Turkey. This research has crucial policy implications for the NGOs and the governments of the destination and origin countries.