Response to Humanitarian Crisis
In the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes, the humanitarian response must focus on health, psychosocial support, education, and social issues, acknowledging the prolonged impact on affected communities. Winter conditions exacerbated challenges for millions displaced by the earthquakes. Informal settlements house 1.6 million people in dire conditions. Health services are strained, and disease risks are high. Children, particularly 2.5 million affected, face traumatic events, disrupted education, and increased vulnerabilities. Türkiye's largest refugee population adds complexity, with 1.7 million refugees impacted, requiring attention to social cohesion.
Since our establishment in 2001, Zakat Foundation has been dedicated to humanitarian work in the region. With a focus on aiding Syrian refugees since the civil war's onset in 2011, we responded to the devastating February 2023 earthquake in southern Türkiye by establishing a tent village in Adiyaman where families receive various therapies and educational programs to support their recovery.