The Impact of GCR on Local Governments and Syrian Refugees in Turkey. (7th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kale, Başak; Erdoğan, Murat
• Is Part Of: International migration. Volume 57:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2019-11-07
• Subjects: Emigration and immigration -- Periodicals; 304.8
• DOI: 10.1111/imig.12658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7985

Abstract

Abstract: In the last couple of years, more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees have been hosted under the "temporary protection" scheme in Turkey. Despite these high numbers Turkey did not have a centralized refugee settlement and integration policy. As a result, various stakeholders including local governments have played critical roles in providing refugee assistance services. This research looks at the role of local governments in delivering services evolving from emergency response to local integration. This article argues that this role with respect to the United Nations' Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) has to be further strengthened. The data for this research were collected through a comprehensive study based on interviews and surveys carried out in İstanbul with local authorities, İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and its 39 district municipalities in 2016‐2017. Although this research has its focus on İstanbul as the selected case study, the findings can reveal conclusions relevant to global implications and perspectives.