EFFECTS ON THE LIVES
OF PEOPLE LIVING IN
TURKEY UNDER TEMPORARY
AND INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION
THE STRESS OF DEBT
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION ANALYSIS REPORT | DECEMBER 2021
2 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
CONTENTS
Abbreviations and acronyms 4
Summary 5
Background 5
Key findings 7
Method 10
Research objectives 10
Sample 10
Data collection and analysis process 11
Demographic characteristics of participants 11
Findings 12
Reasons for borrowing 12
Access to debt 14
Debt sources and collateral requirements 14
Kızılaykart as collateral 15
Gender-based dynamics on access to debt 15
Debt management 17
Debt pay-back processes 17
What people are spending on ESSN cash assistance 18
Gender-based dynamics in debt management 18
3 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Effects of being in debt 19
Effects on individuals’ psychological and physical health 19
Effect on family relations and children 20
Effect on social relations 21
Effects of having no debt 22
Methods used in case of inability to access debt 23
Priorities in the absence of debt 24
Conclusion and recommendations 26
4 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
MOFSS -  -  -  -  -Ministry Of Family And Social Services
COVID-19  -  -  -Coronavirus
ECHO -  -  -  -  -  -European Union Civil Protection And Humanitarian Aid
IFRC  -  -  -  -  -  - International Federation Of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
FGD -  -  -  -  -  -  -Focus Group Discussion
ESSN  -  -  -  -  -  -Emergency Social Safety Net Programme
5 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
Turkey hosts the world’s largest refugee population1
,
with over 4 million asylum seekers of which 3.5 million
of these are Syrians living under temporary protection.
Turkish Red Crescent has a well-established "Kizilaykart"
that initially provided cash assistance to Turkish citizens
and has now transformed into a cash-based assistance
platform that has also integrated refugees into the
existing national social assistance network, providing
different programmes such as education, basic needs,
vocational training, and language courses in order to
meet the needs of the vulnerable people.
The Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) provides
regular monthly cash assistance through Kizilaykart to
1.5 million people living under temporary protection
and international protection. The cash programme is
funded by the European Union and implemented by the
Turkish Red Crescent and the International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in close
cooperation with the Ministry of Family and Social
Services (MoFSS).
Within the scope of the programme, various qualitative
and quantitative research studies are carried out to
identify the impacts of the assistance on the target group.
Focus group discussions (FGD) are one of the most important qualitative data collection methods. Since the partnership
of the Turkish Red Crescent and IFRC, previous FGD themes explored the impact of the pandemic on refugees and
women’s participation in the economy with 247 refugees participants from six provinces across Turkey, where the target
group is densely populated. The third stage FGDs, of which a detailed analysis is presented in this report were carried out
in December 2020 - January 2021 and, focused on the theme ‘financial stress and debt among refugees.
The post distribution monitoring report, based on data from June to September 2020, stated that 80 per cent of the
households who applied to the ESSN programme were in debt, and the amount of debt doubled between the years 2019
and 2020. (TRY 1,000 in 2019, increasing to TRY 2,000 in 2020).2
This high rate shows that only one in five households
surveyed are living without debt. While 43 per cent of asylum seekers preferred borrowing as a coping strategy in 2019,
this rate increased to 74 per cent in 2020. Therefore, borrowing stands out as the most widely used and most common
method after ESSN assistance.
1 • People under temporary or international protection in Turkey. These are people forced to leave their country and who cannot return, most notably Syrians and other
nationalities.
2 • IFRC and Turkish Red Crescent 2020- Cash Assistance in Times of Covid-19 Impacts on refugees living in Turkey- Findings from the post-distribution monitoring survey
(round 10) on Emergency Social Safety Net applicants.
6 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Among Syrian migrants, the average number of working members in each household does not exceed 1.2 regardless
of whether they are male, or female headed households or whether they receive ESSN assistance or not. This highlights
the absence of working women in majority of the households and the general unemployment situation overall. Syrian
migrants, who are constituted mostly of single-income families, consider borrowing as their most important coping
strategy and define it as a part of their lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic also deeply affected Syrian migrants economically, as it has most of the world. According to
previous COVID-19-related research findings jointly conducted by the IFRC and the Turkish Red Crescent, debt amounts
of Syrian households have increased, difficulties in meeting basic needs have increased, and at least one person in
approximately 80% of households has lost their job permanently or temporarily.
To better understand and complement the above findings, this FGD aimed to explore:
1  • The borrowing status of the households that applied to the ESSN programme and the reasons for borrowing,
2  • The dynamics of debt access, repayment of the debt and debt management,
3  • The impact of being in debt on individuals, family and other social relations,
4  • The coping methods used or thought to be applied in case of not being able to access debt
5  • What households would prioritize and how they would feel in case of having no debt.
6  • The report also aimed at offering suggestions in line with its findings.
‘Debt and financial stress’ themed FGDs were held in December and January 2021 with 96 participants who applied to the
ESSN from the cities of Ankara, İzmir, İstanbul, Hatay, Samsun, and Gaziantep where the target group is densely populated
in different geographies. Due to the pandemic, the sessions were conducted online through the digital platform and were
completed in 16 sessions. The participants consisted of 48 female and 48 male individuals between the ages of 20 and
68. Sixty of them were ESSN beneficiaries, and 36 of them were individuals from ineligible households who applied to
the ESSN but were not entitled to have assistance or whose assistance was stopped because they no longer met the
programme criteria.
7 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
KEY FINDINGS
Reasons for debt: unemployment
and high household expenditures
The primary reasons for borrowing have been identified as unemployment/limited employment opportunities, working
in irregular and low-paid jobs, and household expenditures being higher than family income. It was found that such
factors were heightened due to the pandemic and in the wake of rising inflation. Unexpected health expenses were also
observed to cause borrowing. The probability of paying off the debt was associated with the availability of a regular and
reliable job, a higher and consistent salary, and the presence of two or more persons working in the household.
Perception of debt: undesirable but inevitable
Participants considered debt as undesirable and negative, but generally inevitable. They often emphasized that debt is
taken out of necessity, and brings poverty, illness, anxiety, and social resentments along with it. The person in debt was
compared to a sick person.
Main access to debt: borrowing from acquaintance
Debt is generally sourced from acquaintances, Syrian relatives and friends that are in a better financial situation, or from
Syrian market owners or business owners. Individuals ask for debt from people that they can reach out to and within
the framework of trust. Most people do not have the economic power to borrow large amounts of money. Since the
amounts borrowed are mostly small, they are given debt without the expectation of security or interest, but the borrower
is expected to abide by the payment date.
Men in better position to pay back debt than women
When the gender-based dynamics in accessing debt were explored, it is found that men are in a better situation than
women. The general thinking was that men work or are more likely to work so their ability to pay back is higher than
women and the amount of money they could borrow is larger, and since their social circle is greater as they spend more
time outside than women, they have greater access to a network of people they could borrow from than women. It has
been argued that women can only ask for debt from their closest relatives, and that they are more likely to access debt
only when their socio-economic vulnerability is high (for example, if the woman is a poor and lonely widow). There were
many participants who expressed the opinion that it is not culturally appropriate for women to have a dialogue with a
lender who is not from family. Although small in numbers, some participants stated that access to debt is not related to
the gender of the borrower but closely linked with abiding by the debt and paying back on time.3
Debt repayment through shared social support
Debt repayments are usually made on a weekly or monthly basis and the payment methods vary. The most preferred
debt repayment methods are respectively, paying in instalments, by reducing basic needs, by borrowing from a second
person, by selling goods and jewellery and by receiving advance from the workplace. There are differences in opinions as
to whether a man or a woman is better at spending the borrowed debt more economically. There were shared ideas that
the spouses can only overcome the debt crisis together. Debt access and repayment processes generally work within the
framework of understanding and tolerance, indicating the prevalence of shared social support among individuals under
temporary/international protection.
3 • OECD, Bridging the Digital Gender Divide: Include, Upskill and Innovate, 2018.
8 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Rent as most common use of ESSN cash assistance
Most of the participants pay their rent first and bills thereafter with Kızılaykart. For many, it is found that due to the
pandemic and increasing inflation in recent times, Kızılaykart only covers the rental costs, and sometimes not even
enough for that. A small group of participants also mentioned that they used Kızılaykart to pay off their debts.
Effects of Debt: Increase stress, anxiety and depression
It was stated that debt causes stress, tension, worry, helplessness, anxiety disorder, restlessness, and depression in
individuals. One of the most worrying thought for participants was that the landlord could throw them out of the house
if they cannot pay their rent. In addition, inability to pay for utilities and not having access to adequate water, electricity,
heating as well as the fear of not being able to provide enough food for the family were among other reasons that caused
stress, anxiety, and depression. There were also participants who thought that the above concerns affect their work
life and reduce their efficiency. It was also stated that high levels of worry, anxiety and fear caused physical problems.
Some said being in debt triggers for example heart diseases, diabetes, blood pressure, and causes health problems
such as headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss and insomnia. Such findings underlined that under the current
circumstances, ESSN applicants who are excluded from the programme may be under serious psychological pressure
and increasingly experiencing the associated health problems.
Rising tensions in families due to stresses of debt
Being in debt was thought to cause tension among family members and even lead to divorce at some instances. Children
were considered to be the group that is most affected by the negative consequences. Often not being able to meet
children’s wishes or needs caused parents to worry and feel angry, and parents reflected these feelings on their children,
even if they didn’t want to. Another important finding in which children experienced victimization related to debt induced
poverty is child labour. Three of the participants stated that their children had to work at an early age due to financial
difficulties. Taking into consideration the negative effects of child labour on children’s physical, psychological, social, and
educational development, child labour is one of the most significant maladaptive consequences of family debt.
Debt causing strained social ties
A quarter of the participants thought that debt harms their relations with relatives, friends, neighbours and other lenders.
A group of participants stated that culturally, it is necessary to offer food and drinks when guests are invited, but since
they cannot afford to do so due to financial difficulties, they cannot host guests and therefore their social life is quite
limited. The reasons for preference to stay more at home and live less of a social life are listed as feeling embarrassed to
be around the lender who are often people they know and fear of being treated in a negative way or being condemned,
feeling of sadness and depression caused by the debt and reluctance to socialize. Conversely, 11 of 96 participants stated
that being in debt did not have any negative effect on their social relations. Although they had some problems with the
members of the family due to debt, this did not affect their relationships outside the home as their external social circle
supported them.
Debt a necessity to cover basic needs
When the participants were asked how they would continue if they could not access debt and which expenditure items
they would cut, majority mentioned that they would not be able to live without debt, and that debt was an inevitable
necessity to meet their basic needs. It was stated that their incomes are never enough and that they must borrow money
even to cover the rent, utilities, and staple food expenses. Some participants expressed that if there are more than two
working people in the household, it may be possible to live without debt. In cases where it is not possible to access debt,
households commonly choose to reduce either food or non-food expenses. Regarding food expenses, both the variety
and the amount of food were told to be reduced, followed by reducing the number of meals. Participants explained
9 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
that the cheapest food products are bought, red meat is nearly never consumed, most of the households don’t buy red
or white meat, vegetables, and fruits, and even the essential food products such as sugar, butter, bread, and rice are
consumed in small quantities. Non-food expenses that are thought to be reduced in the absence of access to debt were
mostly expressed as clothes and shoes, diapers, cigarettes, coal, medicine/health expenditures, toys, and story books.
Among participants, there were also those who used the expression “If we cannot take on debt, I will benefit from the
tents or institutions that distribute aid”.
Their children's needs are a top priority if debts were paid
If debts were paid off, the first thing the participants said they would prioritize would be meeting more needs for their
children. This includes giving them winter pyjamas, coats, shoes, blankets and foods they are often deprived of, such as
meat, fruit and yoghurt. Another group verbalised their priority as to meet the educational needs of the children such as
providing phones and tablets so that they can participate
in online education. Three participants said they would
take their children out of work if their debts were paid
off. Other plans included buying white goods or furniture
that they need, renewing or repairing old appliances and
furniture (such as refrigerator, washing machine, sofa
bed and heater) and providing clothing. There were also
statements that they would increase the amount and
variety of food if they pay off their debts. Most basic food
items such as rice, olive oil, sugar and cleaning materials
were among expenses they would increase. There were
also some who wanted to have their house renovated
or who wanted to move to a new house (preferably with
natural gas). Others said if they are debt-free, they would
prefer to save money for bad days without making a
change in spending since they know what being in debt
is like. A few expressed that they would give priority to
their health expenses.
What would change
if they did not have debt
If participants were debt-free, they said they would feel
much happier and relaxed, see themselves stronger and
more confident individuals. Other references included
that they would be psychologically healthier, their stress
levels would reduce, they would sleep better, be able
to spend time with their children more patiently, the
tension between spouses would decrease, and therefore
the children would be happier too, and that their walking
on the street would even change. There were also
statements that their social relations would be better,
and they would live a more social life.
10 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
METHOD
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
By targeting the households residing in Turkey who have applied to the ESSN programme under temporary or international
protection, this FGD study on the theme of debt and financial stress aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the
following elements and offer suggestions regarding them:
• Reasons behind borrowing
• Dynamics in debt access, pay back and debt management
• The effects of being in debt on individuals, family and social relationships
• Coping mechanisms used or considered in case of inability to access debt
• Priorities and how they would feel in the absence of debt?
SAMPLE
The FGDs were conducted in December 2020-January
2021 and the participants were selected among people
who applied to the ESSN, living in the cities of Ankara,
Izmir, Istanbul, Hatay, Samsun and Gaziantep, where the
target group is densely populated. These cities host 46
per cent of the total Syrian population.4
The participants
consisted of 48 women and 48 men between the ages
of 20 and 68. Of the total 96 participants, 60 were
individuals who have benefited from the ESSN, and
36 were individuals who have applied to the ESSN but
were not eligible for assistance or their assistance were
suspended because they no longer met the programme
criteria. Participants were divided into 16 focus groups
according to whether they received ESSN or not, and
whether they were male or female. They were randomly
selected and assigned to groups regardless of the city
they came from, education level or age group. It should
be noted that the sample does not represent the target
migrant population in Turkey.
4 • Directorate General of Migration Management, Distribution of Syrians Under Temporary Protection by Province, http://www.goc.gov.tr/gecici-koruma5638
Table 1. Focus Group Discussion
Distribution of Participants
CITY NUMBER OF
PARTICIPANTS
DISTRIBUTION
Ankara 19 20 %
İstanbul 20 21 %
İzmir 12 13 %
Hatay 12 13 %
Gaziantep 21 22 %
Samsun 12 13 %
Total 96 100 %
11 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
DATA COLLECTION
AND ANALYSIS PROCESS
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as of June 2020 the focus group discussions conducted within the ESSN programme
have been held via videoconferencing on tablets/phones, using online channels. Thanks to the innovative model used, it
is possible for participants living in different regions to attend the same FGD session.5
The discussions are carried out in
the company of expert moderators and reporters who connect online. After obtaining permission from the determined
number of participants through the Turkish Red Crescent 168 Call Center, the field teams go to the households that
agree to participate in the meeting, and they deliver the devices at their doorstep. Physical distancing and hygiene rules
are met throughout the process.
The reports prepared by the rapporteurs who took notes during the discussion are initially cross checked with the video
recordings and are converted into transcripts by the monitoring and evaluation experts of the Turkish Red Crescent.
These transcripts are then analysed and turned into reports jointly by Turkish Red Crescent and IFRC experts using
Nvivo software.
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
OF PARTICIPANTS
The 96 participants were constituted of 48 women and
48 men. Some 63 per cent of the participants benefited
from the ESSN programme, the remaining (37 per cent)
applied but could not be included in the programme, or
their assistance was stopped because they no longer
met the criteria. The average age of the participants
was 40, 10 per cent were in the 18-24 age group; 75 per
cent in of 25-59 ages, and 9 per cent were aged 60 and
above. The age of five people could not be noted due
to technical problems. 85 per cent of the participants
were in the working age group, that is between the
ages of 18 and 59. When the education levels were
examined, 4 per cent of the participants were illiterate,
55 per cent had primary school education, 29 per cent
had secondary school education and 8 per cent had
university-level education.
5 • Details of the innovative model used are published in the report titled 'Adapting to New Normal During COVID-19: Remote Focus Group Discussions'.
http://platform.kizilaykart.org/en/Doc/rapor/Remote_Focus_Group_Discussions.pdf.
12 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
FINDINGS
REASONS FOR BORROWING
Some of the most mentioned reasons for borrowing include unemployment and having insufficient or no income, both of
which virtually guarantee that expenditures will outpace income. Participants who did not have any income mostly stated
that they could not work because they were women or were old, chronically ill, or disabled. Some participants also listed
negative working conditions and having very few working
members in the household as reasons for debt. Out of
96, 47 participants said they had to borrow money when
they did not have an income, their income was irregular
and low, or when their salaries were not paid on time.
They could not meet their needs without debt due to high
cost of living. The expenses were considered especially
high for families with many children and thought to be
increasing in recent times due to inflation.
The negative effects of the pandemic on labour market
were listed as another reason for debt, a view shared
by 23 people across 10 out of the 16 focus groups. This
group pointed toward the increasing irregularity of work,
the long closures of workplaces, and the decreasing
salaries and job opportunities as specific aspects of
the pandemic that have negatively affected them –
concerns which underscore the irregularity of the daily
jobs these participants worked in. A group of fewer
than 10 participants stated that they could manage
themselves without debt before the pandemic, however
with the pandemic they worked much less and had to
borrow money.
It was stated that where debt is essential, it was needed
for house rent and bills among ineligible applicants.
Kızılaykart holders reported needing to borrow for basic
needs such as rent, utilities and food. The view that basic
needs without debt cannot be met was expressed by 72
participants in 15 of the 16 focus group discussions.
While it is thought that if more than one person in the
family had a regular and average income, it could be
possible to live without debt. Many of them said that they
could not make a living without debt, especially since
the pandemic. The participants pointed towards their
decreased amount of work and increased rents, bills,
and food costs as reasons for incurring new debts.
The needs of the
house are more than
our monthly income,
so it is never enough until
the next month.
– Male, Ankara, ESSN recipient
If we do not take debt,
we would starve to
death. Everything runs on
debt. We have five children.
Which one will you buy for?
Which one will you not?
– Female, İzmir, ESSN recipient
We wouldn’t have
borrowed if we didn’t
need it. But life requires it.
We can only pay the bills
with the debt we borrow.
– Female, Gaziantep, ESSN non-recipient
Previously, you could
work more than 20 days.
Now you work 12 days, you
are unemployed for 18 days.
If you don’t work, you have no
money. A year ago, Kızılaykart was
able to both pay our rent and cover some
of our expenses. Now it barely covers my
house rent. – Male, Samsun, ESSN recipient
13 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
In addition, it was mentioned that the financial burden
fell on the few young male members of the family. Other
demographic factors that participants believed led to low
salaries were the difficulty for women to have a regular
income-generating job due to childcare and housework
and the inability of older (60+) household members
to work due to ageism in hiring practices or physical
limitations. Another covid-related factor was the inability
to benefit from free health services because they could
not get an appointment from hospitals and health centres
that were overwhelmed due to the pandemic. Some
participants, who had to apply to private institutions or
Syrian doctors instead of free health institutions for any
health problem, mentioned that they had to spend more
out of their pockets, and this caused debt.
Discussions reveal how bad debt is generally seen by the
participants, and that debt is taken out of necessity, and
that it brings along the possibilities of poverty, illness,
anxiety, and interpersonal resentment. The general
view is that debt is an undesirable but almost inevitable
situation for the participants.
It was also expressed that debt drags the individual into
inextricable poverty, resembles an enemy that prevents
one from eating or drinking, and that it affects family
relations. There are also participants who say that would
prefer to beg in front of the mosque rather than being
in debt.
We, women, would
work if we could leave our
children, but it is impossible.
If you are going to send them
to a nursery, the nursery fee is
not less than 700 TRY...
– Female, İzmir, ESSN recipient
Debt is the enemy.
If a person has an enemy,
he/‌she cannot sleep, eat,
drink, or do anything. There is
no Syrian who is free from debts.
– Male, İzmir, ESSN recipient
My late father used
to say that debt brings
poverty. The latter gives
headaches at home, and hence
leads to problems.
– Male, Gaziantep, ESSN recipient
14 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
ACCESS TO DEBT
Debt sources and collateral requirements
Debt is generally taken from acquaintances, Syrian relatives or friends that are in a better financial situation, as well as
from Syrian market or business owners. While borrowing from Turks is rare, individuals often ask for debt from people
they are acquainted with and within the framework of trust. Since the amounts borrowed are mostly small, they are given
without the expectation of a security and generally without interest. However, the debtors are expected to meet the
agreed upon repayment date.
Another factor regarding access to debt is that they
cannot go to a specific lender unless they pay off their
previous debt to the same individual. Therefore, when
more debt is needed and if the original debt has not been
paid off, debt is requested from other potential lenders.
When it is not possible to borrow money from
acquaintances, borrowing against a guarantor, collateral
or interest was told to be possible, but this was said to
be not very common.
In cases where large amounts were needed to be
borrowed, for example, to start a business, examples
were found from the participants pledging their assets
as collateral.
One last reference was related to the high amount of commission and collateral that the participants were expected to
pay when they moved to a new house. Participants also indicated the high commission rates and high rents as reasons
for debt.
Last week, the grocery
store owner stopped us.
He asked for his debt of
400 TRY. I was able to give 50
TRY. He said ‘OK, you can’t buy
anything from here again until you
pay off your debt.
– Female, İzmir, ESSN non-recipient
We had to borrow
money. We wanted to
start a small business. We
wanted to earn our daily
allowance. But my spouse’s
business did not go well. He had to
close his business and now has a lot
of debt. If we cannot pay the debts, we
will give our house in Syria to the person
from whom we took on debt.
– Female, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
The largest amount of money we have to borrow is when we have to
change houses. For example, the landlord came and said that you will leave
the house now. Here you need to pay commission and deposit to rent a new
house. In this case, it is very difficult, more than 6000 TRY is required. It is no
longer possible to find a house for less than 1000 TRY. You can find around 1300 and
1400 TRY and they don’t accept Syrians. Again, they do not rent you a house without
giving security or bringing a Turkish guarantor. Since I entered Turkey, I have debts due to
the collateral and commission, as well as the high rent. – Female, Izmir, ESSN recipient
We take debt from
our relatives, people we
know or people around us.
We get it for our basic needs.
– Male, Samsun, ESSN recipient
15 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Kızılaykart as collateral
The households benefiting from the ESSN
programme often stated that they generally used
the cash assistance for basic expenses, however a
small group of participants stated that they used it
as collateral for borrowing. An assurance is often
given by the ESSN recipient to the lender stating that
“Kızılaykart assistance will be paid at the beginning of
the month, and this is how I will pay my debt back”.
Although it is rare, acase was also identified where
Kızılaykart was given to the lender as a security until
the debt is paid back (by 1 participant).
Gender-based dynamics on access to debt
The majority with 48 participants believed that men have better access to lending than women. On the other hand, 11
participants thought that women have easier access to debt. Those that believed men are better situated for lending
attribute it to men having a more social environment due to spending more time outside the home, and therefore
they have more options other than their closest relatives
to ask for debt. It has been suggested that women can
only ask for debt from their closest relatives, some have
no acquaintances, some have a distant family but are
more likely to access debt when their financial situation
is very bad.
In addition, in the participant households; since those
who earn money are mostly male members of the family,
it is thought that the people who will pay back the debt
will naturally be men. Another common thought is that
while men can borrow more money, women can get
less and mostly with the help of the Kızılaykart, as they
cannot pay the debt back by working. For these reasons,
it is thought that women’s capability to pay back debt is
lower than men.
There were also views expressed that it is not culturally
appropriate for women to have a dialogue with a lender
outside the family. Accepted by both female and male
participants, general views included that women do the
domestic chores, are responsible for domestic matters
and taking care of children, while men are responsible
for all kinds of external business outside of home.
On the other side, one out of 9 participants thought
women can access debt more easily. the reason for this
was pointed as women potentially being more in need of
debt because they cannot work; and lenders being more
tolerant towards women. An example was provided
suggesting if the woman was widowed or had an orphan
in her family, as long as she paid back as promised, she
When I gave birth, I needed
2000 TRY about a month
and a half ago. One person
refused to lend me money. I do
not have any assets, neither here
nor in Syria. I have no collateral to give
him in Syria. Someone said if I gave him
my Kızılaykart, he would lend me money. He
took the Kızılaykart and said, “I will get your
assistance for two months, and when your
debt is over, I will return it to you.” Frankly,
I have no other collateral than Kızılaykart.
– Female, Ankara, ESSN recipient
Maybe if a woman gets
it from her sisters or aunt,
it may be possible, but it’s
harder to ask from others.
First of all, no one knows the
woman except relatives, because
the woman is always spending her
time at home.
– Male, Hatay, ESSN recipient
I think that if a man is
going to borrow money,
he can get more than a
woman. Because the man
can naturally work and pay off
that debt, but woman only has
a Kızılaykart.
– Male, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
The biggest obstacle for
women to ask for debt is
that they do not work, most
of our women are housewives.
– Male, Samsun, ESSN recipient
16 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
could borrow money no different than men. Additionally,
some mentioned that in cases where the pride of the
man may be damaged and women have a gentler style
approaching the lender, women can borrow easier.
21 participants thought both men and women had
the same difficulty accessing debt. They thought if the
woman is widowed or divorced, it is not a shame for her
to ask for debt and suggested that the ease of access to
debt is proportional to abiding by the agreed upon rules
of repayment.
In my opinion, there
is no difference between
men and women. If the
woman does not have a
husband, if she is a widow,
she will have to borrow money
herself. So, there is no one to help her.
The man will also borrow if he needs it.
– Male, İzmir, ESSN non-recipient
17 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
DEBT MANAGEMENT
Debt pay-back processes
Those who participated in the focus group discussions were asked questions about the debt repayment methods
and processes involved. According to the answers received, payments are usually made on a weekly or monthly basis,
and payment methods vary. The most preferred debt repayment strategies are respectively, paying in instalments, by
reducing basic needs, by borrowing from a second person, by selling goods and jewellery, and by receiving advance
from workplace.
About 21 per cent of the participants (20 of the 96) stated
that they could not pay their debt completely but only in
instalments due to the pandemic and irregular working
conditions. Those who spent most of their earning
primarily on rent and bills, said they do grocery shopping
with money they borrow, that they try to pay back in
instalments whenever they have some income coming
in from work or other means and that they apologize the
lender when they cannot make the full payment on the
date agreed and ask for some additional time.
One participant stated that the day after they received
payment from the workplace, they still could not pay their
grocery debts, and they were called by the grocery store
owner and asked to make the payment. The participants
stated that in such cases, they were obliged to pay their
debts by taking an advance from their workplaces. It is
understood that the lenders have information such as
phone numbers and home address of the borrower,
mainly because the lenders are acquaintances or grocery
store owners in the same neighbourhood.
Besides participants who thought that basic food
expenses could not be reduced to pay debts, there were
18 participants who had to cut back on basic needs in
order to pay their debts. Eight participants, on the other
hand, mentioned that, they try to pay their debts by
selling their assets such as household items, telephone
or gold when they think reducing basic needs will not
be enough. Among them, one participant said he gave
his wife’s ring as collateral against his debt and that
eventually he had to leave the ring to the lender as
repayment. A large majority however underlined that
they do not have any valuable items at home to sell, and
even if they wanted to sell, no one would buy them or
find them worthy of money.
About 16 per cent of the participants (15 of the 96) stated that they had to borrow money from a second person to pay
off their debts. If they do not have the amount to be paid back on due date, they manage the process by borrowing from
another person to pay their other debt It was stated that the lenders usually call the borrower to ask for their debts
and they would only come to their homes or workplaces to collect their debts if they could not reach them by phone.
We were unemployed
for three months due
to the COVID-19 situation,
there is no job in Ankara. We
told the landlord that we would
pay for three months’ rent when we
could work, then I worked and paid in
instalments, alhamdulillah. We said you
see the situation, we live and we pay as
we go. – Male, Ankara, ESSN recipient
First of all, we get our
wages on Saturday. If we
don’t pay our debt to the
grocery store on Sunday, he
calls and says: “You didn’t come
today, you didn’t pay your debt”.
We are forced to on Monday, Tuesday,
I get an advance on my wage from
the boss and I give half of the wage.
– Male, Ankara, ESSN recipient
I adjust myself
according to the due date,
cut our expenses as much as
possible until that date, I bring
the items we need little by little,
I try to save money until the due
date, this way I can only pay my debt.
– Female, Istanbul, ESSN non-recipient
18 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Therefore, it is understood that the
debt payment process generally
proceeds within the framework
of understanding and solidarity,
and disagreements are rarely
experienced.
What people are spending on ESSN cash assistance
During the focus group discussions, the participants
also mentioned about the effects of Kızılaykart on their
lives. Around 55 per cent of participants (53 of the 96)
stated that they paid their rent and bills with Kızılaykart.
The day they withdraw money from the card, they pay
their rent and use the rest for the utility bills, and they
argued that the assistance lessened the increasing
financial difficulties they face due to the pandemic. There
were also those who said that due to the pandemic and
increasing inflation, Kızılaykart is only enough for their
rent and there is no money left for other expenses.
Six of the participants who benefited from the ESSN
programme stated that they usually use the Kızılaykart to
pay theirfood expenses bought on tick from the grocery
store and to meet the needs of their children, while other
five said they use the Kızılaykart to pay off their debts.
Gender-based dynamics in debt management
The comments revealed several perspectives on the issue of gender and household roles in debt management. While a
group of participants stated that women are more consistent and thriftier, and therefore women have a greater role in
spending the borrowed money, another group stated that men spend more reasonably because they go to the bazaar
and bargain better. Expressing that both men and women can be wasteful in the same way, some participants stated that
it is important for the spouses to support each other in the process of paying back the debt and overcoming this crisis.
(For the lender) there is nothing to take so
they can come and get it. When I am asked
for debt, I take it from someone else and give
it to him. Penalty came for water bill this month.
We can’t afford to pay it either, we borrowed money
from my neighbour. – Female, İzmir, ESSN non-recipient
We cannot continue
our lives without the
Kızılaykart. In my opinion,
I can’t do it without Kızılaykart,
I swear, maybe my children will
be left without food.
– Female, Samsun, ESSN recipient
I have the Kızılaykart,
we are six. The rent of my
house is 700, my card is of
720 TRY. Only 20 liras remain.
– Male, Ankara, ESSN recipient
Women are better than men in domestic economic matters. Woman
knows better the economic situation of the house, its administration, the
money entering the house, thus she manages it better. Men should not
oppose but only provide economic support. – Male, Samsun, ESSN recipient
19 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
EFFECTS OF BEING IN DEBT
Effects on individuals’ psychological and physical health
Almost all of the participants think that debt seriously affects their psychology. Particularly, the participants whose jobs
have decreased due to the effects of the pandemic have difficulties in paying their accumulated debts and are exposed to
debts that are increasing day by day. It has been stated that the continuation of pandemic-related disruptions has led to
an increase in stress, tension, anxiety, helplessness, restlessness, and depression. The participants stated that they were
most worried about the effects of stress and tension they put on their children.
One of the most stressful situations for the participants
is the thought that the landlord will throw them out of
the house if they cannot pay their rent. In addition, the
fear of not being able to meet their needs such as water,
electricity, heating and food because they cannot pay
the bills are among the other factors that cause stress,
anxiety and depression.
Some participants thought that such concerns impact
their work life and reduce their efficiency. A few stated
that stress associated with debt affects their relationships
with their colleagues and employers, they cannot focus
on work due to stress and anxiety, and their productivity
is likely to decrease.
While high levels of worry, anxiety and fear affect people’s
productivity negatively, references were also made that
they cause physical problems. For example, 25 out of 96
participants thought that debt triggers diseases such as
heart diseases, goitre, diabetes, and blood pressure; and
can cause headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss
and insomnia.
The debt causes
psychological stress.
My wife and I fight. My
10-year‑old son started looking
for a job because he saw our
fights increase. He wants to work
because I take my anger out on them.
– Female, Ankara ESSN recipient
My biggest fear is that
the landlord will tell me
to get out of the house,
they will evict us. I have a
lot of debt… I have no one but
my children, neither a husband
nor anyone else to help me.
– Female, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
We fall into depression.
How will I pay the debt?
How can I do it? There
are no jobs, I can't work.
This situation puts both me
and the children under stress.
– Male, Ankara, ESSN recipient
Wherever you go, worry
and debt are with you.
You can’t improve yourself;
you can’t improve your
situation. You do not have any
empty space in your head to think
of something better. 90% of your brain
is occupied by the thought of how I will
pass this month. I think about opening
a new shop, doing a new job, improving
myself. We are unable to act, we are tied
up. We are going backward every day.
– Male, Hatay, ESSN non-recipient
20 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Effect on family relations and children
In the discussions, the effects of debt on family relations were also explored. There was consensus that stress, anxiety, and
debt concerned state of mind directly affect and harm the relationship of and communication between family members.
These issues were thought to put a particular strain on the relationship between spouses. Examples were given for actual
divorces caused by debt and for situations where the
head of household reflects his stress by shouting to his
wife, or women leaving their husbands for not meeting
the household needs.
Only six participants raised that debt does not have any
negative effect on their family ties and the relationship
among them, that spouses and children understand
each other and that they try to get through their troubled
days together.
One group that is considered to be affected negatively by
debt is children. The incapability to meet the wishes and
needs of children, who may not understand the context
around financial difficulties, causes parents to become
angry and feel powerless or incapable. Besides, it has
been stated that children whose wishes are not fulfilled
feel sadness and pressure.
Another important point in which children experience victimization related to poverty and debt is child labor. Three
participants, although did not want to make their young children work, declared that they had to send their children to
work at a young age in order to make a living and meet their basic needs. Taking into consideration the negative effects of
child labor on children’s physical, psychological, mental, social and educational development,6
this negative situation not
only poses a risk for the child but also causes disruptions throughout the larger social and economic systems in which
the child exists.
6 • UNICEF & ILO, Child Labour: Global Estimates 2020, Trends and the Road Forward, June 2021
Debt causes problems
at home. It separates
family members from each
other, especially if the amount
of debt is high.
– Male, Ankara, ESSN non-recipient
We grow old thinking
about debt. Now the
owner of the grocery
store will come, now the
landlord will come, and we think
he will ask for his money back.
Our electricity was cut off because we
didn’t pay the electricity bill last month.
I sent my 10-year-old son to work, and
he worked in a restaurant. My son has
grown grey though he is just 10 years old.
– Female, Ankara, ESSN recipient
Our children have had
to take on responsibilities
since they were at a young
age in Turkey. My 12-year-old
son has been working for three
years. The children are currently
having online education, but I can’t
afford a phone.
– Female, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
21 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Effect on social relations
Another effect of debt is the negative impact it has on people’s relations with relatives, friends, neighbours, and lenders. A
quarter of the participants thought that debt harms their relationships with the grocery store owners, friends, neighbours,
and relatives. They expressed that their relations with their relatives were not the same as before, because they were in
debt, they moved away from the social circle and became lonely. They stated that culturally, it is necessary to offer food
and drink when guests are invited, but since they cannot
afford to do so due to financial constraints, they cannot
host guests at their houses. This situation indicates that
the participants are less socialized due to debt.
Eleven participants, who thought that debt influenced
their social relations, stated that when they saw the
people they owe, they experienced intense feelings of
pressure, stress, discomfort and guilt due to not being
able to pay their debts. These feelings were sometimes
caused by the negative change in the attitudes of the
lender or triggered by individuals themselves even in
situations where the lender did not react as they felt
incapable and useless.
Seven participants stated that they avoid facing the
above-mentioned problems by limiting their social
relations as much as possible and staying at home. Their
reasons were expressed as being ashamed to be around
the debtor, sadness caused by the debt, reluctance to
socialize due to psychological exhaustion, the fear of
negative treatment by debtor, and being condemned
by people.
In addition to the above, 11 participants thought being
in debt did not have any negative effect on their social
relations. Although problems at home due to debt were
acknowledged, those participants thinking was that
their relationships outside home aren’t affected, on the
contrary, their friends, relatives, and neighbours are
sources of support.
The borrower pays his
debt, but no one believes
them, he has no one, neither
his brother nor his uncle.
Debt is a great disaster.
– Male, Gaziantep, ESSN non-recipient
You will not be psycho­logically comfortable when you have debt. How will
you go to see your brother when you are not comfortable psychologically?
You will go home, you will keep silent. The subject will be debt. You can't relax
when you visit - you are worried, you're always worried.
– Male, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
If you’re going to go
to someone you owe
money to, you give up going
because you are ashamed.
You stay at home, you get
trapped. I am always at home.
– Female, Gaziantep, ESSN recipient
I will not have any
problems with my friends
or relatives outside the
house, thank goodness my
debt does not affect us. When
I need money, I call my friends, or
the master and they bring me the
money and help me right away.
– Male, Samsun, ESSN recipient
22 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Effects of having no debt
The participants were asked how it would have affected themselves and their social circles if they had paid off their
debts. The common discourse of almost all of them was that getting rid of debts would have a great positive effect on the
psychology of people. The participants stated that if they could pay their debts, they would be free of their psychological
and physiological disorders, they would be relieved by getting away from pressure and stress, and they would have the
opportunity to open a new, clean page in their lives.
Twenty-eight participants thought if they paid their debt,
their family and social relations would have been better.
In addition, it is thought that the relations between
spouses would become healthy, stress and anxiety in
the family would decrease, the mental health of children
who are psychologically worn out would be better, and
parents would have the opportunity to spend more
time with their children. One participant stated that if he
had paid off his debt, he thought that even the number
of cigarettes he smoked would decrease, as his stress
would decline, and that many things would be on track.
Besides participants thought that they would have the
opportunity to see their relatives, whom they have not
been able to visit for a long time, once they have the
psychological and financial relief of paying off the debt.
After paying off the
debt, there wouldn't be
stress anymore. We could
fix our jobs, the education
of the children. There would be
psychological relief and better health.
– Male, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
When I have no debt,
I can take my family a bit
out in public. We would feel
some psychological relief.
– Male, Samsun, ESSN recipient
23 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
METHODS USED IN CASE OF
INABILITY TO ACCESS DEBT
Another question posed to the participants was if they could not access debt what kind of strategies they would implement/
which expenses they would cut to reduce overall spending. It was indicated that in cases when debt is absolutely
inaccessible or even in cases of access to debt, one of the most used methods is to reduce food expenses. Reduction of
food expenses was mentioned by 53 participants. While
it was essential for them to pay the rent and utility bills,
therefore food expenses or expenses such as clothing,
health, and education were mentioned where spending
would be cut/reduced.
While references were made that both the variety and
the amount of food would be reduced, there were
also those who said they would reduce the number of
meals. Participants mentioned that they already buy the
cheapest possible products, they nearly never consume
red meat, with occasional consumption of white meat,
most households also deprive themselves of vegetables
and fruits in general. Some said they could buy the
leftover products from the local market, sometimes only
the rotten fruit and vegetables, and they cannot buy
milk for their children. It was highlighted that even the
essential food products such as sugar, oil, bread, and
rice are consumed in small quantities.
The number of participants who said they readily
reduce or would cut non-food expenses was 8 out of
96 people. For the majority, the essential non-food
expenses were completely cut or kept to a minimum.
Among these products, the most mentioned ones were
clothing, diapers, cigarettes, coal, medicines/healthrelated
expenses, toys or storybooks for children. There
were also those people who kept postponing their
health expenditures and therefore felt their health was
deteriorating, and also those who do not turn their TV
or heater on, so their electricity bill does not increase.
Finally, there were also participants who said they would
benefit from tents or institutions that distribute aid if
they could not borrow money.
We eat cheap food and
cheap vegetables so that
our debts will not increase.
We used to eat chicken once a
week, we started to eat it once a
month, we buy broken rice when we
buy rice, we do not eat fruit, we cannot
buy clothes, we reduced such expenses.
– Male, Ankara, ESSN recipient
There are many things
that we avoid buying,
such as clothes and shoes.
Like the need for a doctor or,
for example, going to the dentist
and getting treated. If you are
going to buy painkillers, you prefer
the cheapest one. Our health is getting
worse and worse because we cannot
get treatment.
– Female, Samsun, ESSN non-recipient
It doesn’t matter what
we eat. The important
thing is that my children
sleep with a full stomach.
– Female, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
24 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
PRIORITIES IN THE ABSENCE OF DEBT
Another question raised was what the participants would prioritize and what they would do if their debts were paid off.
The most common answer given to this question expressed by 46 participants was to meet the needs of the children and
to realize their existing plans for them. Many participants said that they would prioritize needs such as pyjamas, coats,
shoes and blankets for children. One participant said that they would supply the necessary nutrients for their children
by providing them meat, fruit, and yoghurt. Another group said their priority would be to buy phones, tablets, and similar
equipment so that their children can participate in online education. While they underlined that it is perhaps too late
for themselves, but for the next generation change was thought to be necessary as they saw their children the most
important value in their lives. Being able to respond to whatever children wanted and taking them out were also among
their priorities. Three participants declared that they would take their children out of work if their debts were paid off.
I would meet my children’s needs first. Whatever they need, food, drink,
clothes. For example, I have a little girl who is 3 years old, she has a blood
disease, she will have eye surgery. The doctor tells me that I should always
make her eat red meat. How can I find and buy red meat? …(crying) if you buy
it for one, you have to buy it for all five. If you make one eat it, you have to make
them all eat it. If you have a sick child at home, you will first meet the needs of this
child. The most important ones are the children. – Female, İzmir, ESSN recipient
When I have no debt at
all, the first thing I want
to buy is a tablet so that the
children can have education.
Knowledge is more important
than food and clothing. Because
I didn’t have education, I would like for
my children to receive education.
– Female, Istanbul, ESSN recipient
We wish we had a
bottle of olive oil. 1 kilo
of rice, that is, we wish for
them. The rest doesn’t matter.
We can do without even fruit,
milk, such things. Let’s just pay
for our electricity, water, and heating
expenses. I’m trembling where I sit now.
– Female, Hatay, ESSN recipient
25 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Apart from the above-mentioned, other plans included
purchasing/renewing white goods or furniture in case
of paying off debts. 21 participants indicated they would
buy or replace refrigerator, washing machine, sofa, bed,
heater/stove (or coal), and general clothing items.
In the absence of debt, some said they would also
increase the amount and variety of meals. For example,
13 participants said they would buy whatever item
missing at home and increase the amount of rice, olive
oil, sugar and cleaning materials bought.
Nine participants stated that they would have the
house renovated or preferably move to a new house
with natural gas heating. Others (2 participants with
secondary and higher education) said, they would prefer
to save money for bad days without making a change in
spending as they know what debt is like.
There were also several participants who indicated that
they would prioritize health spending.
Although participants were not asked, a few participants
made recommendations for the ESSN programme
Among these recommendations, one was the suggestion
that cash assistance could be paid biweekly, not monthly,
and secondly in the case of individuals turning 18 years
of age, programme assistance should be stopped for the
entire family but only for that for individual who turned
18. Third suggestion was that since curfews were being
implemented due to the pandemic imposing restrictions
to ones under the age of 20, it was underlined that
people who have just turned 18, could not possibly work
or earn an income, so their assistance should not be cut
in such unprecedented times. One participant suggested
the cash amount of Kızılaykart should at least cover the
cost of rent of an eligible household.
First of all, I am thinking
of moving out of the
house. In the rain the other
day, the water overflowed and
reached our knees, every time it
rains, our house floods. That’s why
my little children get asthma every year
in winter. That’s why I would change my
home first, move to a better house, but I
don’t have the power to do that right now.
– Female, İzmir, ESSN non-recipient
I had a Kızılaykart in
2016. I received it for one
year, then they stopped
my card because my child
turned 18. It is wrong here in my
opinion, my daughter turned 18, they
stopped the card of the whole family.
In such cases, only stop the assistance
of the person who turns 18 years old. At
least with the assistance, the house rent
could be paid. You withdraw 500-600 TRY
from the card, add some more on it and
pay the house rent. But now, since one
person is 18 years old, the whole family’s
assistance has been stopped.
– Male, Hatay, ESSN non-recipient
I have four-year-old twin
daughters. One of them
has a hole in her heart and
a problem with her eyes. I take
care of her, I bring medicine. After
four years, she will have surgery on her
eye and heart. I would take care of her.
– Female, Ankara, ESSN recipient
26 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
This report clearly and unequivocally demonstrates that debt is almost inevitable in the lives of refugees and migrants,
even if they receive Kızılaykart assistance. It was shown that poverty and the inability to meet basic needs are the main
reasons for borrowing and such conditions are often caused by unemployment, irregular employment of only a small
number of individuals in each household, insufficient wages, lack of a regular income, women’s unemployment, shrinking
income and purchasing power of households due to the pandemic and increasing inflation.
The study showed that participants consider debt as an extremely negative situation, and acknowledges that debt could
bring with it poverty, illness, anxiety and reduced social support. While there is no difficulty in accessing small amounts
of debt in general, it has been determined that debts are mostly borrowed from Syrian relatives, friends and business
owners without the need for collateral. Although Kızılaykart holders use the ESSN programme assistance as security
when borrowing, they generally set aside this cash to pay house rents and utility bills. This report showed that the debt
repayment process is carried out within mutual understanding and respect, and the due of payment is tried to be met by
the borrower through different methods (such as paying debt by borrowing from others or paying a debt in instalments).
Findings related to debt access and management indicate that there is a high level of social capital among the participants.
The report found that the effects of debt are felt in many ways; it causes intense emotions such as stress, anxiety, fear,
and worry, as well as causing physical health problems such as blood pressure, headache, weakness, insomnia, and loss
of appetite. It leads to tension in the family, arguments, feelings of anger and conflict that can end up in divorce. The
group that participants regretted that their basic needs could not be met and was thought to suffer the most from the
tension within the family was the children. One of the concerning findings of this report was that some of the families in
debt resided in child labour as a coping strategy.
The effect of debt on social relations was described as negative by a quarter of the participants. The idea that debt is a
material and moral obstacle to socialization was shared, and situations were identified in which the debtor minimized
their relationships outside home with the fear of being embarrassed in front of their social circle, being exposed to
negative treatment, and being humiliated by people. On the other hand, it was underlined that debt is in every migrant
family, relatives and friends understand each other’s situation, so they speak the same language and support each other.
The report found that if debt in inaccessible, migrants
would (or they already) reduce their food expenses by
reducing the amount and variety of food, and they would
also cut back on non-food expenses such as clothing,
diapers, cigarettes, coal, and health related costs. Among
participants, there were those who said, “If we cannot
borrow money, I will benefit from the tents or institutions
that distribute assistance.”
In a scenario where they could pay off the debt, vast
majority of participants had the plans for meeting the
basic needs of children and providing the necessary
technological devices for their online education. Other
goals in a debt-free life can be listed as renewing white
goods such as a refrigerator, washing machine, or
furniture such as beds; moving to a damp-free house
where it is possible to have a heater; and repairing
parts of the house that need repairing. Finally, when a
27 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
debt-free life was considered, the participants said they would feel happier and more relaxed, see themselves as stronger
and more confident individuals, be much more relieved psychologically. Their stress would decrease, their walks would
change even on the street, they would be able to go out in public, sleep better, and be more comfortable with their
children. Participants considered they would be more caring and patient, living a more social life with less tension within
the family, and therefore their children would also be happier.
Taking into consideration the above findings, it is concluded that the ESSN programme plays an important role in helping
individuals under temporary/international protection with their struggle of maintaining their daily lives. For this reason,
it is a priority for the programme to continue uninterrupted in the near future. In addition to this research, the general
conclusion reached by other panel and cross-section studies observing the impact of the ESSN programme on the
target audience, is that the socio-economic fragility of individuals has increased with the pandemic. In light of these, it is
possible to conclude that people absolutely need the ESSN programme in order to meet their basic needs such as rent,
utilities and food. The increase of ESSN monthly cash assistance per individual from 120 TRY to 155 TRY in April 2021 can
therefore be interpreted as a very timely and spot on adjustment to the programme.
This report recommends that detailed studies could be carried out to understand the main causes of child labour and
the alienation of children from education in families under temporary and international protection. These evaluations
are important for the ESSN programme criteria to better respond to household vulnerability. Within the context of the
negative effects of the pandemic on the household economy, some participants suggested that families with children
who have just turned 18 but are still in education should benefit from the ESSN programme as long as they continue
their education. Such complementary socio-economic criteria expressed by programme beneficiaries can be evaluated
further within the ESSN programme.
28 Focus Group discussion analysis report • December 2021
Follow us:
Kizilaykart
platform.kizilaykart.org | twitter.com/kizilaykart | youtube.com/kizilaykart |
instagram.com/kizilaykart | facebook.com/Kizilaykart.Programlari
IFRC
ifrc.org/emergency-social-safety-net-essn | twitter.com/ifrc |
youtube.com/user/ifrc | instagram.com/IFRC | facebook.com/IFRC
1919 0505 1868 1106