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Self Report 2017

The self-report on WHS Commitments below is organized according to the 24 transformations of the Agenda for Humanity. It is based on commitments pledged at the time of report submission. Click on the 'Expand' symbol to expand each section and read the reporting inputs by transformation.

1B
Act early

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Given also its geopolitics, Turkey attaches special importance to preventative diplomacy and finding peaceful solutions to conflicts. Turkey’s approach on this issue draws on the fact that preventive diplomacy is the most effective and feasible method in terms of dispute settlement. It is with this understanding that Turkey fully supports UN Secretary General’s commitment to a “surge in diplomacy for peace”. Turkey also actively contributes to multilateral efforts on different themes with a common objective to enhance stability, like UN Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, Friends of Mediation and Alliance of Civilizations. Turkey further promotes multilateral consultation mechanisms among countries.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Turkey has fulfilled its commitment to allocate USD 200,000 for the year 2016 to the Peacebuilding Fund. In terms of conflict prevention and mediation efforts, Turkey continued its efforts to enhance the visibility of Group of Friends of Mediation within the UN. Similarly, Turkey decided to convene the Fourth İstanbul Mediation Conference in June 2017 and started its preparatory work. As one of the major international initiatives for promoting peaceful co-existence, Turkey continued to provide strong political and financial support to the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Periodic meetings are being held at various levels among the related stakeholders to coordinate and update the progress as well as sharing good practices and lessons learnt.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    The most effective way to prevent crises and provide stability is to reduce the impact of risk factors which requires a holistic approach. Identifying those factors which may turn out to be root causes and eliminating them require, among other things, cooperation and support of host countries and coordinated action among regional and international actors.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Turkey will continue to assist the UNSG in his efforts to bring forth his vision for a surge in diplomacy for peace. Turkey will make use of all related platforms to strengthen the normative basis of mediation and enhance the UN mediation support capacities. In this framework, Turkey is preparing to hold the Fourth Istanbul Mediation Conference on 30 June 2017. Turkey will continue to work on creating synergies between Alliance of Civilizations and Mediation for Peace to fully realize each initiatives aims. In addition to already existing ones, Turkey will seek to increase the number of trilateral/multilateral consultation mechanisms with other states.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Act early', what would it be

    Action at the country level to reduce specific risk factors and to enhance relevant national infrastructure is crucial. Yet the ultimate success depends on all relevant players to act in concert and to cooperate to support the United Nations to better fulfill its mandate in the area of conflict prevention.

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    5C - Invest in stability

1C
Remain engaged and invest in stability

Joint Commitment

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Investing in stability in its region and beyond has long constituted an important agenda item for Turkey, particularly in the last decades. Turkey’s engagement included humanitarian operations by the Turkish stakeholders (AFAD, TIKA, Turkish Red Crescent and Turkish NGOs) in conflict-affected countries. Turkey also actively contributes to multilateral efforts on different themes with a common objective to enhance stability, like UN Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, Friends of Mediation and Alliance of Civilizations and promote multilateral consultation mechanisms among countries.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Turkey has fulfilled its commitment to allocate USD 200,000 for the year 2016 to the Peacebuilding Fund. In terms of conflict prevention and mediation efforts, Turkey continued its efforts to enhance the visibility of Group of Friends of Mediation within the UN. Similarly, Turkey decided to convene the Fourth İstanbul Mediation Conference in June 2017 and started its preparatory work. As one of the major international initiatives for promoting peaceful co-existence, Turkey continued to provide strong political and financial support to the UN Alliance of Civilizations. Turkey regularly pursues trilateral and multilateral consultation mechanisms to increase coordination and cooperation to enhance sustainable stability in bilateral relations and to formulate joint policies towards regional and global issues.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Periodic meetings are being held at various levels among the related stakeholders to coordinate and update the progress as well as reports produced at the end of certain periods by the stakeholders.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    The most effective way to prevent crises and provide stability is to reduce the impact of risk factors which requires a holistic approach. Identifying those factors which may turn out to be root causes and eliminating them require, among other things, cooperation and support of host countries and coordinated action among regional and international actors. This coordination not only increases the chances of success, but also helps to utilize the limited resources in the most efficient way. Therefore lack of cooperation and coordination is found to be one of the significant challenges faced in the implementation phase.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Turkey will continue to assist the UN Secretary General in his efforts to bring forth his vision for a surge in diplomacy for peace. Turkey will utilize all related platforms to strengthen the normative basis of mediation and enhance the UN mediation support capacities. In this framework, Turkey is preparing to hold the Fourth Istanbul Mediation Conference on 30 June 2017. Turkey will continue to work on creating synergies between Alliance of Civilizations and Mediation for Peace to fully realize each initiative's aims. In addition to already existing ones, Turkey will seek to increase the number of trilateral/multilateral consultation mechanisms with other states.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Remain engaged and invest in stability', what would it be

    Action at the country level to reduce specific risk factors and enhance relevant national infrastructure is crucial. Yet the ultimate success depends on all relevant players to act in concert and to cooperate to support the United Nations to better fulfill its mandate in the area of conflict prevention.

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    1B - Act early 5C - Invest in stability

1D
Develop solutions with and for people

Individual Commitment

  • Achievements at a glance

    In continuation of its efforts within the Group of Friends of Mediation, Turkey will convene the Fourth Istanbul Mediation Conference in June 2017. In this respect, Turkey emphasizes fulfilling the potential of relevant actors including women. Gender responsiveness, as in other social projects, are also considered in those mediation efforts. Awareness raising activities for vulnerable groups addresses the role of women in all aspects of the crisis, including mediation. The Research and Implementation Institute for Humanitarian Crisis Response in Gaziantep has been conducting studies on relieving the effects of humanitarian crisis, including the role of women in mediation.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Gender

2A
Respect and protect civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of hostilities

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Turkey recognizes the importance of relevant international agreements that protect the rights of civilians during military conflicts and are party to them. Turkey, in this context has been an avid supporter of strengthening international frameworks governing the rules of war and promoting the protection of civilians.

  • Achievements at a glance

    For the protection of civilians and civilian objects during such military conflicts, Turkey is engaged in training programs. In the military context, studies were conducted regarding the compatibility of the means and instruments of war with international humanitarian law. Arrangements for the use of distinctive emblems (such as Red Cross/Red Crescent) are also promoted.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    At the domestic level, regular meetings among security forces, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other parties such as the Red Crescent are being held.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Dissemination of information on humanitarian law.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Increase the level of training activities domestically and enhance cooperation with the relevant international partners in this field.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Respect and protect civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of hostilities', what would it be

    Respect and promote international humanitarian law as recognized by states should always remain as the main pillar.

2B
Ensure full access to and protection of the humanitarian and medical missions

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Turkey is an ardent advocate of international solidarity in particular during humanitarian crises with a view to building a safer world and saving human lives through a sustainable and collective strategy. As one of the leading countries, Turkey faces direct consequences of the Syria conflict. Turkey from the outset to date, strives to ensure unfettered humanitarian access to all in need. With this understanding Turkey provides uninterrupted humanitarian access to Syria, through its two designated border gates. Drawing from its own experiences, Turkey strongly supports the universal principles of humanitarian law and work to enhance security of humanitarian missions.

  • Achievements at a glance

    For the protection of humanitarian and medical missions, Turkey has engaged in training programs for its own staff. In the military context, studies were conducted regarding the compatibility of the means and instruments of war with international humanitarian law. Arrangements for the use of distinctive emblems (such as Red Cross/Red Crescent) as well as identification cards of prisoners of war were promoted.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    At the domestic level, regular meetings among security forces, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other parties such as the Red Crescent are being held.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Effective coordination among humanitarian/medical missions.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Increase the level of training activities domestically and enhance cooperation with the relevant international partners in this field.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Ensure full access to and protection of the humanitarian and medical missions', what would it be

    Unfettered humanitarian access is the fundamental requirement to overcome the immediate effects of humanitarian crises.

2D
Take concrete steps to improve compliance and accountability

Individual Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Drawing from its own experiences, Turkey supports the universal principles of humanitarian law and continues to work in relevant platforms to enhance compliance and accountability. In this vein, Turkey continues to support efforts for the reform of the UN Security Council, including to eliminate the major obstacles which prevent its effective functioning or from taking decisive action to protect civilians against massive human rights violations, in particular the use of veto power.

  • Achievements at a glance

    For the strengthening of international humanitarian law at the national level, Turkey has initiated training programs for its own staff in its civilian and military institutions. In the military context, studies were conducted regarding the compatibility of the means and instruments of war with international humanitarian law. Arrangements for the use of distinctive emblems (such as Red Cross/Red Crescent) as well as identification cards of prisoners of war were also promoted.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    At the domestic level, regular meetings among security forces, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other parties such as the Red Crescent are being held.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Effective coordination among relevant actors.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Increase the level of training activities domestically and enhance cooperation with the relevant international partners in this field.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Take concrete steps to improve compliance and accountability', what would it be

    Upholding international humanitarian law as relevant and as appropriate while improving harmonization of national laws with universal standards and norms in international instruments Turkey is a party to.

3A
Reduce and address displacement

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    With 3 million refugees within its borders, Turkey hosts the largest refugee population in the world. In line with the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and Temporary Protection Regulation, Turkey provides basic rights and services such as access to health and education services, social assistance, attorney services and counselling. An Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) has been launched. Vocational training and employment opportunities are also offered to refugees. National response plans are prepared to lead and bring together national and international resources. However host local communities still need additional infrastructure investment (i.e. education and health).

  • Achievements at a glance

    Collaboration has been enhanced between AFAD, the coordinating body of the Turkish government institutions, and international stakeholders. A wide range of documentation has been prepared to share Turkey’s experience. An increase to 60% of refugee students enrolled in schools. 500 Migrant Health Units were established. In annual public investment programs, investment projects including schools, hospitals and urban infrastructure are prioritized in cities with a significant Syrian population. A comprehensive needs assessment document has been prepared to attract additional financial resources from the international community. A program has been launched to enable displaced people to attend Public Training Centers in Turkey for language and vocational courses and more than 11,000 foreigners attended courses in 2016. The number of refugees benefiting from the monthly cash transfer within the Emergency Social Safety Net reached 250,000. A protocol was signed with TRT World for publicity of humanitarian efforts in Turkey. Preparations for a more active social media strategy were initialized.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    A multilateral working group in AFAD has been established to examine the challenges of coordination in humanitarian response. Progress is also being followed at the 3RP meetings. Statistics of those benefiting from services (health, education, workforce) are evaluated periodically. Field surveys were conducted among refugees. Social media statistics, TV ratings and media coverage are also assessed to measure the impact of services. The efficiency of ESSN is assessed with field visits.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Insufficient, unstable and volatile assistance lacking predictability and sustainability from international community; insufficient advocacy for host countries at the global level; and a lack of strategic collaboration between hosting countries, are the main challenges. Staff turnover in the humanitarian area is high and adversely affects institutional memory. Limits in sharing organizational learning constitute a problem. Difficulties are faced in the involvement of affected communities due to the language barrier, culture etc.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Projects will be fostered to enhance infrastructure capacity in the refugee hosting provinces. Integration activities among relevant institutions and cooperation with relevant international stakeholders will be prioritized. A larger education and health network will be established for refugees. A knowledge management framework that integrates collection, analysis and management of information will be installed. Visual media materials for experience sharing will be dispersed. More employment projects and Turkish language courses will be launched. A new measure that has recently been set in 2017 is an Annual Program to upgrade evaluation and monitoring mechanism for all development cooperation activities in Turkey will be implemented.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Reduce and address displacement', what would it be

    International financial contribution on a sustainable and predictable basis should be ensured. Relevant agencies/organizations should lead and support efforts (i.e. for employment of refugees ILO). A comprehensive, consistent and reliable knowledge base and strategic partnership with emerging donors are also needed. More support from the international media is needed.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Cash Refugees Social protection

3D
Empower and protect women and girls

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Projects supported in the context of “Facility for Refugees in Turkey” are considered from the aspect of gender responsiveness as well. Education projects for women and girls are also prioritized. Women shelters in Turkey are all accessible for all displaced people regardless of their status and nationality. Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations provided assistance to refugee families. Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) with the financial support of the EU has been launched.

  • Achievements at a glance

    The list of projects to be supported in the context of “Facility for Refugees in Turkey” has been finalized and the projects are ready to be launched. A Working Group on Action against Gender Violence has been established with the participation of the public institutions and relevant UN agencies to further improve the services provided to Syrian women in Turkey. The number of refugees benefiting from the monthly cash transfer within the Emergency Social Safety Net reached 250,000. “Humanitarian Assistance Program on Combating and Response to Gender-based Violence” implemented to promote awareness on gender violence, to build solidarity among women and develop their skills.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    The efficiency of Emergency Social Safety Net is assessed with field visits and number of beneficiaries. Field visits are conducted by teams of experts from Ministry of Family and Social Policies. It will be further assessed on the basis of the number intended to be reached and quality in the actions which are planned to be carried out within the ESSN in the period ahead.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    More gender responsive projects by relevant stakeholders are needed, and also funding for these projects must be guaranteed. Integration between information systems of the relevant institutions is needed in order to implement the Emergency Social Safety Net efficiently.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Outreach activities to displaced women and girls in Turkey will be prioritized. Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) assistance program will be launched for children of refugees, asylum seekers who reside in Turkey under temporary protection or international protection. Girl students in the CCT program will be positively discriminated. In the context of CCT, 2100 families are aimed to be reached by May 2017. A training project for local authorities, relevant stakeholders, volunteers will be launched for detecting and preventing gender-based violence and strengthening child protection. The target number of beneficiaries from the monthly cash transfer within the Emergency Social Safety Net is 1 million.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Empower and protect women and girls', what would it be

    More involvement from international stakeholders in the Emergency Social Safety Net program is needed particularly to reach out to the most vulnerable people. Proactive participation of the refugees in the implementation of the Emergency Social Safety Net will further advance the transformation.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Gender Refugees

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    3A - Reduce and address displacement

4A
Reinforce, do not replace, national and local systems

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Turkey supports two thousand development projects abroad annually and to date Turkish development actors operated in 150 countries. In these projects, support to local and national systems has been prioritized for long term resilience and sustainability, as in Somalia and Palestine. Turkey has started the preparation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Plan of Turkey (TARAP). The Plan will be instrumental in preventing duplication and investments at different levels of disaster response.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Turkey’s development oriented humanitarian operations in countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia support local and national systems for long term resilience. In light of the role of Turkish local administrations in the overall response to Syrian refugee influx, Turkey has emphasized the enhancement of local capacity in its aid operations, particularly in countries affected from displacement. For the preparation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Plan of Turkey (TARAP) existing national and international plans have been reviewed, targets have been set, stakeholders have been identified and analysis work are in progress.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Preliminary workshops are held to get the views of the participants in the ongoing preparation process of TARAP. In these workshops, stakeholders laid out strategies, objectives and activities for the next 10 years. The workshops will be instrumental to ensure better implementation of the project. The outcomes of analysis conducted within the context of TARAP will set the basis for further evaluations.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    High number of stakeholders from public, private sector adds complexity to coordination efforts.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Following the completion of TARAP at the national level, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plans will be prepared at the local level. Subsequently, a risk reduction system will be set up at national and local levels.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Reinforce, do not replace, national and local systems', what would it be

    Determination of risk reduction activities in line with priorities, better coordination between stakeholders and avoiding duplication of investments are most needed.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disaster Risk Reduction

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4B - Anticipate, do not wait, for crises

4B
Anticipate, do not wait, for crises

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Current efforts to strengthen disaster risk management at the national, regional and global levels are coordinated by Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD). AFAD is a member of European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR). National Earthquake Strategy and Action Plan 2023 (UDSEP-2023) is in effect since 2012. Regulation Preparation Commission updates the Regulation on Buildings to be constructed in Earthquake Regions.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Turkey Building-Earthquake Regulation have been drafted. Two projects namely “Update of Turkey Seismic Hazard Map” and “Improvement of Earthquake Hazard Analysis and Hazard Maps” have been completed. Based on the outcomes of these projects, earthquake hazard maps will be produced. Construction of 27 logistical support depots is underway.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    A workshop to evaluate the outcomes of “Update of Turkey Seismic Hazard Map” project was held in June 2016. During the workshop, the draft “Turkey Building-Earthquake Regulation” was also evaluated with relevant stakeholders.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    No particular challenges were detected.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    AFAD and EFDRR organized the EFDRR Open Forum on 26-28 March 2017 in Istanbul, to strengthen disaster risk management and raise awareness for disaster risks in the region. “Turkey Earthquake Regulations” will set the basis for the implementation of the “Earthquake Hazard Map of Turkey”.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Anticipate, do not wait, for crises', what would it be

    More emphasis should be given at international level to crisis preparedness rather than solely on response.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disaster Risk Reduction

4C
Deliver collective outcomes: transcend humanitarian-development divides

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Turkey places emphasis on the humanitarian-development nexus with a view to bridging the gaps between humanitarian aid and longer term development needs. It supported 2000 development projects annually and reached out to 150 countries. Over the past decade, Turkey has introduced new methodologies and practices. Longer term resilience is also prioritized. Turkey is providing development services including education, health, vocational training for Syrians. In line with its 10th Development Plan, projects supporting NGOs in terms of capacity and financial resources have been carried out. Active participation of NGOs is also encouraged in programs such as “Institutional Capacity Improvement Program at Local Level”.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Research and Implementation Institute for Humanitarian Crisis Response was established in Gaziantep. The Institute organized events to elaborate on the effects of the humanitarian crisis in Syria and to figure out how to improve the services provided for Syrians in Turkey. Projects within the Facility for Refugees in Turkey are ready to be implemented. Cooperation between Turkish stakeholders and international partners, particularly UN agencies has been enhanced. AFAD and TIKA has been cooperating in field operations i.e. Somalia and Myanmar. Innovative solutions in the field are in progress. E-food card program allowed 70% saving. Employment opportunities are provided for women in Africa through projects for self-employment. Turkish private sector supported transfer of entrepreneurial know-how to partner countries particularly in infrastructure capacity building. UNDP technical cooperation projects were revised to include social infrastructure projects for Syrians. The WHS has provided a new conceptual approach that has led to the New Way of Working (NWOW).

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Turkish development and humanitarian stakeholders are carrying out quantitative and qualitative analyses of their respective projects on a regular basis. These analyses are reported annually and shared with public. International platforms like OECD DAC and UN’s Development Cooperation Forums also enable assessment and evaluation of the progress. To assess their contributions NGOs and INGOs are also consulted at design and implementation phases of projects.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Better coordination among bilateral and multilateral actors providing humanitarian and development assistance are most needed. Stakeholders need to align their activities with the needs assessment document. Different institutional cultures hampered efficient coordination. National legal framework needs to be reviewed for effective implementation of the projects. Authorities of the affected countries should cooperate with the incoming aid teams. Language barrier may hinder introduction of new services (e-food card etc.) to the affected people. More support and engagement of private sector should be ensured.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Various development projects in the areas of health, education and infrastructure will continue to reinforce current humanitarian operations in countries like Afghanistan, Somalia and Myanmar. Turkey will encourage international stakeholders for the allocation of more funds for the needs of the refugees. In light of current operations in the field, consultation meetings will be held in 2017 between Turkish development and humanitarian stakeholders. Turkey will push for the implementation of the new humanitarian-development nexus also during the New Way Of Working workshop in Istanbul in May 2017.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Deliver collective outcomes: transcend humanitarian-development divides', what would it be

    Various forms of mechanisms which combine humanitarian and development aid systems on the basis of local conditions must be comparably presented to the donor community. Developing a culture of working together and preventing duplication is essential. The private sector should be encouraged to contribute also in social, environmental and ethical terms.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Gender Private sector Refugees

5A
Invest in local capacities

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Turkey’s development projects have been designed in a way that bridges the gap between emergency humanitarian aid and longer term development needs. Longer term resilience including capacity building for the local structures is prioritized in planning and implementation of the projects.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Turkey’s development oriented humanitarian operations mainly in Afghanistan, Palestine and Somalia support local and national systems for long term resilience. In light of the role of Turkish local administrations in the overall response to Syrian refugee influx, Turkey emphasizes the enhancement of local capacity in its aid operations, particularly in countries affected from displacement.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    End reports of projects, feedback and annual reports from beneficiaries or international partners are essential in the assessment.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Authorities of affected countries should cooperate with the incoming aid teams. Insufficient funds for capacity building projects, low quality of projects submitted by stakeholders and limited human resources at the local level are main challenges.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    In order to increase the efficiency of preparation and response to natural disasters and humanitarian crisis, AFAD and OCHA singed the second Plan of Action (2017-2019) on 30 January 2017. With this plan of action, AFAD and OCHA will cooperate to strengthen coordination of efforts and a more effective response to humanitarian needs, and continue to enhance Turkey’s role as a humanitarian leader by building its membership of international humanitarian mechanisms.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Invest in local capacities', what would it be

    Effective working relations between local actors and international stakeholders based on mutual trust are vital. Activities for awareness raising on the role of local capacity should be conducted for donors and funders.

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4A - Reinforce, do not replace, national and local systems

5B
Invest according to risk

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Pursuant to the Law on the Regeneration of the Areas under Risk of Disaster, there is need to improve environmental conditions. Urban transformation projects have been carried out in order to create safe urban areas. Current efforts to strengthen disaster risk management at the national, regional and global levels are coordinated by Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD). AFAD is a member of European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR). The National Earthquake Strategy and Action Plan 2023 (UDSEP-2023) has been in effect since 2012. Regulation Preparation Commission updates the Regulation on Buildings to be constructed in Earthquake Regions.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Training programs have been conducted in the fields of risk management, preparedness, prevention and risk reduction. An Amendment was made on the relevant Law Enforcement Regulation to minimize disaster risks. In line with this amendment, additional work has been started on the sites where at least 65% of buildings do not comply with the Zoning Law. Since May 2016, 29,000 buildings were determined as risky structures and 18,900 of them were demolished. The Turkey Building-Earthquake Regulation has been drafted. Two projects namely “Update of Turkey Seismic Hazard Map” and “Improvement of Earthquake Hazard Analysis and Hazard Maps” are completed. On the outcomes of these projects earthquake hazard maps were produced. Construction of 27 logistical support depots were started.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    End reports of projects, annual reports from beneficiaries or international partners and number of attendees to the training programs are essential in assessments.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    The programs on risk management, preparedness, prevention and risk reduction are not the focus of donors, stakeholders and beneficiaries.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    AFAD and EFDRR organized the EFDRR Open Forum on 26-28 March 2017 in Istanbul, to strengthen and raise awareness for disaster risk management. “Turkey Earthquake Regulations” will set the basis for the implementation of the “Earthquake Hazard Map of Turkey”. Awareness raising activities will be launched both at local and international levels.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Invest according to risk', what would it be

    Enhancing coordination and preventing duplication in assistance are most needed. Human resource development in risk management, reduction and preparedness will further advance the transformation.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disaster Risk Reduction

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4B - Anticipate, do not wait, for crises

5C
Invest in stability

Individual Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Investing in stability in its region and beyond has long constituted an important agenda item for Turkey, particularly in the last decades. Turkey’s engagement included humanitarian operations by the Turkish stakeholders (AFAD, TIKA, Turkish Red Crescent and Turkish NGOs) in conflict-affected countries. Turkey also actively contributes to multilateral efforts on different themes with a common objective to enhance stability, like UN Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, Friends of Mediation and Alliance of Civilizations. Turkey further promotes multilateral consultation mechanisms among countries.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Turkey has fulfilled its commitment to allocate USD 200,000 for the year 2016 to the Peacebuilding Fund. In terms of conflict prevention and mediation efforts, Turkey continued its efforts to enhance the visibility of Group of Friends of Mediation within the UN. Similarly, Turkey decided to convene the Fourth İstanbul Mediation Conference in June 2017 and started its preparatory work. As one of the major international initiatives for promoting peaceful co-existence, Turkey continued to provide strong political and financial support to the UN Alliance of Civilizations. On the other hand, trilateral and multilateral consultation mechanisms to increase coordination and cooperation to enhance sustainable stability in bilateral relations and to formulate joint policies towards regional and global issues are regularly pursued.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Periodic meetings are being held at various levels among the related stakeholders to coordinate and update the progress as well as reports produced at the end of certain periods by the stakeholders.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    The most effective way to prevent crises and provide stability is to reduce the impact of risk factors which requires a holistic approach. Identifying those factors which may turn out to be root causes and eliminating them require, among other things, cooperation and support of host countries and coordinated action among regional and international actors. This coordination not only increases the chances of success but also helps to utilize the limited resources in the most efficient way. Therefore lack of cooperation and coordination is found to be one of the significant challenges faced in the implementation phase.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Turkey will continue to assist the UNSG in his efforts to bring forth his vision for a surge in diplomacy for peace. Turkey will utilize all related platforms to strengthen the normative basis of mediation and enhance the UN mediation support capacities. In this framework, Turkey is preparing to hold Fourth Istanbul Mediation Conference on 30 June 2017. Turkey will continue to work on creating synergies between Alliance of Civilizations and Mediation for Peace and fully realizing each initiative's aims. In addition to already existing ones, Turkey will seek to increase the number of trilateral/multilateral consultation mechanisms with other states.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Invest in stability', what would it be

    Action at the country level to reduce specific risk factors and enhance relevant national infrastructure is crucial. Yet the ultimate success depends on all relevant players to act in concert and to cooperate to support the United Nations to better fulfill its mandate in the area of conflict prevention.

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    1B - Act early

5D
Finance outcomes, not fragmentation: shift from funding to financing

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Turkey conducts 2,000 development projects annually and reaches 150 countries. Turkey increased its assistance 50-fold since 2003 and became the 2nd largest donor country in 2015 and the “most generous” donor according to the ratio of its assistance to its GNP. In the last decade, resilience enhancement has become a core part of Turkey’s assistance program. Personnel skills engaging in international assistance activities have been developed through training programs. In response to the Syrian crisis, Turkish institutions under the coordination of AFAD develop a professional approach and a sound humanitarian aid system. Emergency Social Safety Net has been launched.

  • Achievements at a glance

    The list of projects to be supported in context of “Facility for Refugees in Turkey” is finalized and the projects are ready to be launched. The Working Group on Action against Gender Violence has been established with the participation of the public institutions and relevant UN agencies to further improve the services provided to Syrian women in Turkey. The number of refugees benefited from the monthly cash transfer within the Emergency Social Safety Net reached 250,000.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    The number of beneficiaries, end reports of projects, annual reports from international partners are essential in assessment.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    The main challenges include insufficient funding for capacity building projects, poor quality in projects submitted by stakeholders, limited number of staff to carry out awareness raising activities and layers in fund transfer. Donors should be provided with more inclusive platforms to improve efficiency and transparency.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Need for mechanisms which assess the socioeconomic effects of future assistance plans.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Finance outcomes, not fragmentation: shift from funding to financing', what would it be

    Predictable and sustainable funding needs to be ensured for the uninterrupted flow of assistance. Existing mechanisms and institutions in the affected countries should be utilized to the extent possible. Quality of human resources in the field should be strengthened.

5E
Diversify the resource base and increase cost-efficiency

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Turkey increased its assistance 50-fold since 2003 and became the 2nd largest donor country in 2015 and the “most generous” donor according to ratio of its assistance to its GNP. In the 6th year of the Syrian crisis, Turkey’s support for 250,000 Syrians in temporary accommodation centers exceeds USD 12 billion. Another 2.5 million Syrians living in various cities are provided with services funded by public institutions, local administrations, and NGOs. In these efforts, Turkey introduced cost efficient solutions like the e-card program. On the other hand, Turkey actively engages in international efforts especially after the WHS on diversification of resources.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Turkey offers free health and education services to almost 3 million Syrians within its borders. Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) coordinates services provided to the Syrians in the temporary accommodation centers through the Disaster Temporary Urban Management System (AFKEN), a software program developed by Turkish engineers. In order to ensure cost efficiency, relevant Turkish humanitarian and development institutions strengthened their cooperation especially on countries such as Somalia, Palestine and Myanmar.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    End reports of projects, feedbacks from beneficiaries and annual reports are essential in the assessment.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Turkey will continue to strengthen the cooperation and coordination among the humanitarian and development actors both at national and international levels.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Diversify the resource base and increase cost-efficiency', what would it be

    Effective management of scarce resources and diversification of resources should be the primary objective of international community.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Refugees Social protection

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    3A - Reduce and address displacement