Within the framework of the Pathways to Protection (P2P) project, ARSA organized a three-day capacity-building program for community leaders and association volunteers in Mersin, Türkiye, from 23 to 25 October 2026. The program brought together community leaders, ARSA volunteers, and representatives of relevant institutions, including the Mersin Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and the Protection Unit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It aimed to enhance knowledge and experience-sharing, strengthen protection capacities, and promote inter-institutional cooperation.

The program began on Friday, 23 October, with participant registration, accommodation arrangements, and an introductory session. The main sessions took place on Saturday, 24 October. Coordinated and facilitated by Ms. İlim Hilin Metin, the program opened with remarks by Dr. Zakira Hekmat, President of ARSA, who emphasized the importance of strengthening community leaders’ capacities and enhancing cooperation in the field of protection.

The program continued with specialized sessions focusing on access to protection mechanisms, legal assistance services, and inter-institutional cooperation. Av. Fatma Doğru from ARSA’s Legal Unit, two representatives of the Mersin Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, and a representative of UNHCR’s Protection Unit shared their professional knowledge and expertise with the participants. Through interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, participants also had the opportunity to address the challenges and needs of their communities and explore practical solutions to improve access to protection and support services.

On the final day, Sunday, 25 October, participants took part in evaluation, feedback, and question-and-answer sessions. The program concluded with a final review, a closing session, and expressions of appreciation to the participants.

Through this initiative, ARSA aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills of community leaders and volunteers, increase awareness of protection mechanisms, improve access to support services, and foster stronger cooperation between communities and relevant institutions. ARSA remains committed to empowering refugee and asylum-seeker communities and promoting effective collaboration to advance protection and support.