Abstract:

This paper analyzes the problems that Iraqi, Iranian, Syrian, and Afghan asylum seekers face in social integration and in accessing social services in the satellite city of Düzce. Adopting a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews with 21 asylum seekers and two key informants from public institutions were conducted. Additionally, several public institutions in education, health, and social services, as well as non-governmental organizations’ activities for asylum seekers, were investigated. Our findings show that although asylum seekers are entitled to some social rights, including education, health services, and employment, they have difficulties accessing these rights due to language barriers, work obligations, health problems, and gendered responsibilities. Asylum seekers cannot access healthy accommodations and usually hold low-paying or irregular employment with uncertain pay, and face social exclusion and stigmatization in Düzce. These problems deepen their psychological problems caused by the war. Asylum seekers consist of different groups including children, youth, the elderly, disabled individuals, and single women, all with different problems and needs. In particular, female asylum seekers living alone or with children are exposed to gender-based risks, including sexual harassment, in their search for employment or aid, and they have limited access to psycho-social and economic support. At local level, the needs of asylum seekers are met through a “philanthropist” approach where social workers are not involved. There is a need to build human rights-centered, gender-sensitive, accessible psycho-social, and economic support mechanisms for asylum seekers in Düzce.

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