The kick-off meeting of the “ Improving the Lives of Children through Enhancing Responsive Child Protection Services and Support in Emergencies” was held on April 7, 2025, in Gaziantep. The project, to be implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, and UNICEF, aims to provide effective child protection services and legal support to vulnerable children and families affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes.

Funded by the European Union, the three-year project has a total budget of €9.6 million.

The project will be implemented in 11 provinces most affected by the earthquake as well as in three additional cities that have received migration due to the disaster. It aims to directly benefit 117,000 children.

As part of the project, four Child Centers will be established in four of the most affected provinces. These community-based centers will provide safe spaces and comprehensive services to support children and their caregivers.

Additionally, the project will support capacity building in child-friendly legal aid, parental support, and mental health and psychosocial support services.