EU announces more projects under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey: €348 million in humanitarian aid to refugees in Turkey

Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides announced today the largest ever EU humanitarian aid programme – the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN). It will be rolled out by the World Food programme (WFP) in partnership with the Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent and the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policy (MoFSP) to address the everyday needs of refugees in Turkey. This is largest ever humanitarian programme using direct cash-transfers to cover the everyday needs of the most vulnerable refugee families in Turkey. The Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN), financed with €348 million by the EU and its Member States under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, is the first social assistance scheme of its kind, marrying international humanitarian know-how and government services to reach out to one million refugees across Turkey. Through it, the European Commission continues to respect its commitments under the EU-Turkey Statement. “In line with the EU and its Members States’ strong commitment to support vulnerable refugees in Turkey, the unprecedented scale of the ESSN will make a significant difference in the lives of men, women and children who have had to flee conflict and violence. Together with the World Food Programme and our Turkish partners we have developed an innovative system that can deliver what people need, where it is needed most, and in the most effective way possible. Through the ESSN, our contribution will be more effectively directed to vulnerable refugees. This is a game changer in the delivery of international humanitarian aid. I would like to take this opportunity to commend Turkey on its unparalleled generosity in supporting refugees in the country”said Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.