From August 18 to 23, 2024, a team comprised of Rory Truell (IFSW Secretary-General, Ruth Allen, (IFSW Europe Regional President), and Machiko Ohara (IFSW Asia Pacific Regional President), visited several locations in Türkiye, including Adıyaman, Gaziantep, Hatay, and Ankara. The primary purpose of this visit was to observe the activities of social workers in the aftermath of the Türkiye-Syria earthquake that occurred in 2023, assessing the state of support, achievements, and ongoing challenges. In particular, it was also to see how the donations made by the IFSW-AP Region were being used locally, and to consider ways to support Syria, which currently has no diplomatic relations with Japan.
The team began their visit at a community center in Adıyaman, where they confirmed their partnership with SHUDER (the Turkish Association of Social Workers). There, local social workers reported about their post-disaster support activities, leaving a deep impression on the team with their dedication and passion. Some shared their experiences of working under perilous conditions, underscoring the crucial role of social work in such scenarios.
After the visit to Adıyaman, the team traveled to Gaziantep and Hatay, meeting with local government officials, NGOs, and social workers engaged in support activities in earthquake-affected areas. In Hatay, particular emphasis was placed on mental health support following the disaster and activities focused on women and children. The team visited a “Women’s Living Center” established by a women’s union, highlighting its vital role in the community’s reconstruction efforts post-disaster. They also recognized the collective contributions of IFSW and various global support organisations in aiding recovery in Türkiye and Syria. On the final day, a symposium on disaster social work was held in Ankara. Here, Machiko Ohara shared insights gained from 13 years of support efforts by the Japanese Association of Social Workers in Health Services (JASWHS) in Ishinomaki, Japan after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
The visit revealed the difficulties faced by Turkish social workers in the wake of the earthquake and how they continue to provide support despite limited resources. The team confirmed that the activities of these social workers are enhanced by the donations from the IFSW-AP Region and expressed confidence in the future development of these initiatives.
This visit was a valuable learning opportunity for social workers from around the world. It reaffirmed the important role social workers play in times of disaster and the significance of international cooperation. IFSW will continue its support activities around the world with the aim of deepening global cooperation among social workers.
