Photo Story: Empowering Refugees Through Information

Refugees watching informative videos at IBC's info hub

E enjte, November 19, 2020

World Vision, with support from the European Union through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, is helping refugees access essential services in Turkey through ‘InfoHubs’.

Important information is provided to refugees at these centres, helping them access the help and services they need. InfoHubs offer psychosocial and legal consultation support to the most vulnerable. When needed, center staff also accompany refugees when they need help in accessing external services such as health, education, legal or psychosocial support.

The project, which is implemented by International Blue Crescent Relief Development Foundation (IBC) and IGAM, has supported more than 8,000 people through InfoHubs since May 2019.

During the official lockdown in Turkey due to the coronavirus pandemic, services were made available through phone or WhatsApp. By mid-June, InfoHubs reopened their doors to receive refugees, while taking preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of staff and beneficiaries.

Sometimes simple things, like asking for an address or what to do to get a document, can be complicated for refugees who don’t know the language or the system of the country they live in.

Faisal* from Iraq was looking for a health centre. The Research Centre on Asylum and Migration’s (IGAM) staff informed him where he could get the services he needed.

*Talal*, a father of three, visited IGAM’s InfoHub to ask how he could obtain a driver’s license.*

*Razan* visited IBC’s InfoHub to get information about the available support. She was informed by the staff about the services.*

Murad*, a Syrian refugee, and his family visited IGAM’s InfoHub to find a way for his 16-year-old son to continue his education. The staff at IGAM shared information about training centres that Murad’s son could enroll at.

*Walid* is watching recently produced videos on psychosocial and legal topics, which were broadcast on International Blue Crescent Relief and Foundation’s (IBC) social media channels.*

World Vision and its partners have adapted their activities to address new needs amidst the coronavirus pandemic. For example, IGAM conducted a psychosocial awareness session on ‘stress management in COVID-19 times’ online.

Suha* was staying at a shelter and had no income. She also didn’t have an Identity Document (ID). She was informed about how to obtain Temporary Protection Identification, which is key for refugees to access many services and assistance in Turkey.