EU sets up programme to improve refugees’ conditions in Turkey

ANKARA: The EU yesterday launched a programme to issue monthly electronic cash grants to benefit a million refugees in Turkey, as part of a deal under which Ankara will curb the numbers trying to enter Europe.

The Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) will give refugees pre-paid cards for food, housing, schooling or medical expenses in Turkey.

Earlier this year, EU countries approved a fund of 3 billion (R46bn) to help Turkey improve living conditions for about 3 million Syrian immigrants on its territory. The ESSN is part of that deal. “Today we launch the biggest and largest humanitarian project the EU has ever supported.

“It will provide a basic source of income for 1 million Syrian refugees,” Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said.

The EU is also funding other humanitarian projects in Turkey. But President Tayyip Erdogan has accused the bloc of not following through on the financial pledges it has made.

More than 1 million migrants entered the EU after crossing from Turkey to Greece by boat last year. Since Turkey agreed to prevent people from setting sail from its shores, the numbers taking route have fallen dramatically.

“The ESSN is perfect proof of the EU’s commitment to tackle the challenge posed by the refugee crisis. It’s a clear example of the strong partnership of the EU and Turkey in finding together new, innovative ways to address one of the most important humanitarian challenges of our times,” Stylianides said.

The ESSN will be implemented by the World Food Programme and the Turkish Red Crescent, in collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policy and the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency. – Reuters