Introduction

For more than seventeen years, the Asylum Seekers and Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) has stood at the forefront of humanitarian action, refugee protection, and community-based development in Türkiye. Founded in 2009 and becoming fully operational as an officially active civil society organization in 2014, ARSA emerged from the lived realities of displacement and migration. What began as a volunteer-driven initiative has evolved into one of the most trusted and influential refugee-led organizations in the country.

Over the past seventeen years, ARSA has implemented over 43 projects and more than 344 initiatives and activities, directly benefiting more than 181,000 refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable members of host communities across Türkiye. ARSA’s work spans protection, education, livelihoods, psychosocial support, legal aid, emergency response, social cohesion, gender equality, research, and advocacy. Its achievements are not only measured in numbers, but also in the lasting systems, partnerships, and trust it has built at local, national, and international levels.

This section presents a comprehensive overview of ARSA’s accomplishments over the past seventeen years—highlighting its growth, impact, partnerships, innovation, and enduring commitment to human dignity.

Building a Strong Foundation: From Grassroots Initiative to National Actor

ARSA was established with a clear purpose: to support asylum seekers and refugees in accessing their fundamental rights and services, and to promote peaceful coexistence with host communities. From the outset, ARSA adopted a community-based approach, recognizing that refugees themselves are best positioned to identify needs, design solutions, and build trust within displaced communities.

Between 2009 and 2014, ARSA focused on grassroots humanitarian assistance, volunteer mobilization, and direct service delivery. During this formative period, the organization developed its core values of solidarity, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. These values later became the foundation upon which ARSA expanded its scope and scale.

By officially becoming active in 2014, ARSA had already established itself as a credible actor among refugee communities and local stakeholders. Since then, the organization has steadily strengthened its institutional capacity, governance structures, and programmatic reach—transforming from a small volunteer initiative into a nationally recognized civil society organization.

Expanding Reach and Impact Across Türkiye

One of ARSA’s most significant achievements over the past seventeen years is the continuous expansion of its geographic reach and beneficiary base. With its headquarters in Kayseri and a wide volunteer network active in more than 45 provinces, ARSA has ensured that its services extend far beyond a single city or region.

Through this extensive network, ARSA provides:

  • Legal and social counseling

  • Guidance on registration procedures with migration authorities

  • Support for school enrollment and access to education

  • Translation and interpretation services

  • Assistance in finding housing and employment

ARSA’s volunteer-based refugee network is considered one of the first and most comprehensive refugee-led support systems in Türkiye, offering benefits not only to refugees but also to public institutions, NGOs, researchers, and humanitarian actors.

Over the years, ARSA’s annual number of beneficiaries has grown dramatically—from 324 individuals in 2009 to over 21,000 beneficiaries in 2021 alone. This steady growth reflects both the increasing needs of displaced populations and ARSA’s strengthened capacity to respond effectively.

Delivering Comprehensive Services for Refugees and Host Communities

ARSA’s accomplishments are rooted in the diversity and depth of its programs. Over seventeen years, the organization has delivered integrated humanitarian and development services, addressing both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

Key areas of intervention include:

Protection and Legal Support
ARSA has provided thousands of refugees with legal counseling, rights awareness sessions, and referrals to relevant institutions. By helping individuals navigate complex legal and administrative systems, ARSA has played a critical role in reducing vulnerability and preventing exploitation.

Education and Capacity Building
Education has always been a cornerstone of ARSA’s work. The organization has implemented formal and informal education programs, language courses, vocational training, and awareness workshops. Notably, ARSA established an online school program for children who are unable to attend formal schools, currently serving 90–100 out-of-school children by providing internet access, computers, and structured online learning.

Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment
ARSA has supported refugees in accessing livelihood opportunities through skills training, employment guidance, and income-generating activities. These initiatives help refugees regain self-reliance and contribute positively to local economies.

Psychosocial and Social Support
Recognizing the emotional and psychological impact of displacement, ARSA has delivered psychosocial support services, group activities, and community events aimed at strengthening social cohesion and mental well-being.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
ARSA has implemented targeted programs for women and girls, focusing on empowerment, protection, leadership, and access to services. These efforts have positioned ARSA as a strong advocate for gender equality within humanitarian response frameworks.

Emergency Response and Humanitarian Leadership

ARSA’s capacity for rapid and effective emergency response became particularly evident following the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye—one of the most devastating disasters in the country’s history.

ARSA was the only refugee-led organization actively and continuously providing services specifically to earthquake-affected refugees. Within a short period, ARSA:

  • Provided shelter support to 13,384 earthquake-affected refugees

  • Paid 4–6 months of rent in cash assistance to 2,306 families

  • Distributed cash cards to 350 additional families for essential needs

Approximately 95% of beneficiaries were refugees living in the eleven most affected provinces. This response demonstrated ARSA’s operational strength, credibility, and deep connection with displaced communities during times of crisis.

Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Credibility

Another major achievement of ARSA over the past seventeen years is the development of strong, multi-level partnerships. ARSA has collaborated with more than 30 government bodies, international organizations, embassies, and civil society actors, including UNHCR Branch Office in Ankara, Airbnb.org. Turkish Philanthropy Foundation, UNFPA, Terredes Hommes, European funds (Sivil Düşün Europ Program), Switzerland Embassy in Ankara, Danish Refugees Council (DRC), GIZ, BMZ, ECHO, CBOs including, Journalists for Human Rights JHR, Rights to Learn Afghanistan, States Department, American Council, IVLP, AAR Japan, Japan Platform, Türkish Refugees Council, Washington University,  Türkiye Refugees Council, international NGOs, universities, and research institutions.

ARSA is a founding member and current chair of the Turkish Refugee Council, an umbrella platform bringing together 30 organizations working on refugee rights and social development. ARSA also actively participates in national and international coordination mechanisms, such as:

  • UNHCR-led Refugee Response Mechanisms

  • Inter-Agency Coordination Groups

  • Provincial coordination with migration authorities

  • The Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP)

These partnerships have strengthened ARSA’s influence, ensured alignment with national strategies, and increased the overall effectiveness of refugee response efforts in Türkiye.

Knowledge Production, Research, and Advocacy

Beyond direct service delivery, ARSA has made significant contributions to research, data collection, and advocacy. Through its nationwide network, ARSA has supported hundreds of academic studies, media reports, and research projects by facilitating access to refugee communities.

Over the past seventeen years, ARSA has:

  • Published multiple research reports on refugee issues in Türkiye

  • Supported more than 160 media interviews and research engagements

  • Organized over 145 workshops, trainings, and seminars

  • Contributed to national and international conferences and policy discussions

By bridging the gap between refugee communities, researchers, journalists, and policymakers, ARSA has played a vital role in shaping evidence-based and rights-oriented responses to forced displacement.

Recognition, Visibility, and Leadership

ARSA’s sustained impact has earned it national and international recognition. The organization is widely regarded as a credible, transparent, and community-rooted actor within the humanitarian sector.

A defining moment in ARSA’s history was the international recognition of its leadership. In 2023, ARSA’s Founder and Director, Dr. Zakira Hekmat, received the International Women of Courage Award from the U.S. Department of State. She was also honored with the Angela Burdett-Coutts Award in 2021 for her contributions to refugee protection and community solidarity.

These awards reflect not only individual leadership, but also the collective strength, integrity, and vision of ARSA as an institution.

Conclusion: Seventeen Years of Impact and a Commitment to the Future

Over the past seventeen years, ARSA has grown into a pillar of solidarity for refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable communities in Türkiye. Its achievements—spanning humanitarian response, long-term development, advocacy, and community empowerment—demonstrate what is possible when affected communities lead solutions.

With a strong institutional foundation, trusted partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to human rights and dignity, ARSA is not only reflecting on past accomplishments but also preparing for the future. As displacement challenges continue globally, ARSA remains dedicated to standing with refugees and building a more just, inclusive, and resilient society for all.