Turkey

The rural populations of Turkey lag behind urban dwellers in almost every social and economic index, from mortality rates to school enrollment. Poverty in Turkey has increased after two consecutive economic crises in 2000 and 2001. According to information provided by the Turk-IS, more than 10 million people in the country are living in hunger even though the poverty line for a Turkish family of four rose to 1.3 billion at $790 a day. In Turkey, 32% of the population under 15 years of age, are living with the risk of poverty, 23.7% of the population are living on less than $4.30 per day, and as of 2000, the poorest 20% of the population had less than a 6% share in consumption -- almost 8 times less than the richest 20%.

Turkey's unemployment rate is about 10 percent, but in the southeast the figure is closer to 60. And while some cities in western Turkey, where much of the country's industry is located, have per capita incomes that rival parts of Europe, many cities in the southeast have per capita incomes more in line with parts of India.

In Turkey, child labor remains widespread, as well as child marriage. Family violence, including “honor killings”, a practice steeped in village traditions that is occurring with increasing frequency in cities across Turkey and other developing countries where massive migrations to urban areas have left families struggling to reconcile modern lifestyles and liberties with generations-old rural customs, are still a critical problem as the country is trying to transform and cohere with modern society. Although a new civil code gives women equal rights with men, most women still face discrimination.

The government shows some commitment to reform, but is clearly inhibited by anti-reform elements within the judiciary, police, and army. The main achievement of recent years was sustained progress in combating torture, with the number of reports of ill-treatment in police stations continuing to fall. Little progress was made, however, toward guaranteeing language freedoms (Kurdish language is illegal) and freedom of expression. In an alarming development, there are episodes of police using unwarranted lethal violence during street disturbances and police repeatedly using unwarranted force to break up peaceful demonstrations. However, reports of ill-treatment continue to decline thanks to improved safeguards for detainees, including the right to see a lawyer from the first moments of detention.

Recently, it has been discovered at a psychiatric institution in Ankara, children tied to their beds and imprisoned naked in cold rooms. Mental Disability Rights International reported that psychiatric hospitals in Istanbul and Izmir were inflicting electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) on patients without muscle relaxants and anesthesia

Internal displacement is also a problem concerning Kurdish villagers who were forcibly displaced by security forces during a conflict of the 1980s and 1990s, and are still unable to return to their homes in the southeast. The government’s “Return to Village and Rehabilitation Project” has failed to provide even the most basic infrastructure, and villagers are unwilling to return to settlements that do not have electricity, telephone service, or a school. Implementation of a 2004 law to compensate the displaced has been uneven; with some villagers receiving appropriate sums while others claims were unfairly dismissed.

Turkey is a country where AIDS education in society and for health personnel has started rather late. Health services are one of major problems for working people within Turkey. The limited number of state hospitals, and a vastly inadequate social security system, in general fails to provide sufficient health care for millions of people. The official number of HIV/AIDS cases is 1,800, but the actual number is believed to be considerably higher. Immunization rates for childhood diseases are in need of major improvement and low demand for vaccines by parents is one barrier to that goal.

A growing problem throughout Turkey is Malaria. The malaria situation remains serious in terms of its impact on the health of the population and the socio-economic development. Within the country, over 15 million people, or 23% of the total population, reside in areas where malaria remains endemic. Moreover, a large proportion of the total population reside in areas where the risk of an explosive resumption of malaria transmission, leading to outbreak situations, remains high. Despite the fact that only 2,036 cases were reported in 2005, it is generally accepted that the actual magnitude of the malaria problem in Turkey is greater than that reported, especially in south-eastern Anatolia, where the incidence of malaria is the highest in the country.

Turkey lacks significant domestic energy resources, even though its location makes it an important energy transit country. Due to booming industrial production, not to mention population, higher levels of energy consumption, imports, air and water pollution, and greater risks to the country's environment are being realized and dealt with. In addition, increased oil exports from the Caspian Sea region to Russian and Georgian ports and across the Black Sea has led to increased oil tanker traffic, as well as risks of accidents, through the narrow, winding Turkish Straits.

Air pollution is a major problem in Turkey, with key pollutants including sulfur dioxide, suspended particulates, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. Smog is a particularly bad problem in many Turkish cities, especially Istanbul. Rising energy consumption and the increase in car ownership have increased air pollution, and as Turkey continues to develop its economy, the problem likely will be exacerbated unless preventive actions are undertaken.

Recognizing these issues, the Turkish federal government and municipalities have taken several measures to reduce pollution from energy sources throughout the country. In order to meet European Union (EU) environmental standards, Turkey is requiring flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units on all newly commissioned coal power plants and is retrofitting FGD onto older units. In addition, the planned "Blue Stream" natural gas pipeline from Russia will provide the necessary supplies for Turkey to rely more heavily on cleaner-burning gas rather than coal.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has criticized Turkey's efforts to reduce air pollution, saying that current measures do not go far enough. And the poorly managed forest areas throughout Turkey also threaten the quality of air throughout the region. Because the Turkish energy sector is mainly state-owned, critics charge that the government's pricing policy has encouraged the inefficient use of energy. Experts claim that about as much as 30% of electricity generated in Turkey is lost because of inefficient distribution and generation systems.

In Turkey, hundreds of thousands of girls are out of school. In rural areas, a lack of schools and classrooms means that some teachers have more than 100 students per class. However, recently there has been a push to increase literacy, partly pressured by the EU, and has led to the enrolment of 74,000 additional girls in primary schools and some 52,000 additional boys were also enrolled.

A complex of factors, mostly related to poverty, prevent these Turkish girls and some boys from attending school. However, the most subtle barrier to education for girls rests on the traditional inequalities between men and women in most areas of Turkish life. The rewards of a full, rounded education for girls are either inconceivable or simply not tangible for many low income families. In rural areas especially, girls’ access to education is often blocked by domestic labor and early marriage -- factors which tend to be disguised as a lack of interest in school. As much as a third of girls in urban areas say that the need to work is the main reason for not attending school. Non-attendance of girls in school is a usually recurring pattern that develops into a lifetime of domesticity for 50% of the female population -- making women the Turkish economy’s most under-developed and under-utilized human resource. As the mothers and primary care-givers of the future, families will miss out on better standards of health and nutrition and it is unlikely that the country will reach the level of development that it could due to these inequalities.

American Turkish Society - The ATS is dedicated to: supporting the values of free enterprise, democracy, secularism, freedom of opportunity, equality, human rights and human development. Maintaining strong ties between the US and Turkey and improving the quality of life for all people in Turkey. We do this by promoting economic development, investment and business in Turkey and with Turkey, improving the lives of people in Turkey especially in critically under funded sectors such as education and health, building an understanding and appreciation of Turkish history, culture and society in the US, by promoting a positive image of Turkey in the US and providing opportunities for Americans and Turkish Americans to learn about and enjoy Turkish culture.

Endeavor Global, Inc. - Endeavor is a non-profit organization pioneering a new model for international development by promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and management training in emerging markets. Endeavor aims to build a community of values-driven entrepreneurs as the most catalytic means of achieving broad economic, social and cultural impact in developing nations. Endeavor’s approach focuses on removing barriers to new venture creation and social impact, by fostering local entrepreneurial leaders willing and able to take risks, create jobs, spread wealth, expand opportunities, and inspire others with their passion, determination, and integrity. Endeavor was founded in 1997 to serve early stage but high potential entrepreneurs who were systematically overlooked by existing institutions in developing countries. In its first four years, Endeavor established successful operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, adding Mexico in 2002, South Africa in 2003 and preparing to launch Turkey in 2007. Endeavor Global, based in New York, supports the country affiliates and leads Endeavor’s expansion into other emerging markets.

European Centre for Common Ground - The European Centre for Common Ground (ECCG) is a not-for-profit, non governmental organization (NGO) that operates in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, by which we intend the pursuit of peaceful methods of dialogue and negotiation to curb present or potential violent/non violent conflicts. ECCG has been working in conflict prevention and conflict resolution since 1995. It uses both classic methods of conflict resolution such as facilitation and mediation as well as innovative such as radio soap opera, T.V. shows, etc. Our Brussels headquarters today houses an international, multiethnic staff of twelve, and several hundred people are associated with our programmes in: Greece, Turkey and Cyprus; Western and Central Africa; the Balkans; Ukraine; North Africa and the Middle East. We work in close collaboration with European Institutions, EU member states' governments, the United Nations, and local and international NGOs in order to introduce techniques of peaceful conflict resolution in areas of extreme tension. We collaborate as co-equal partners with Search for Common Ground, an NGO based in Washington, D.C.

Greenpeace Mediterranean -a regional office of Greenpeace International. Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organization which uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and to force the solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace's goal is to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity. Greenpeace Mediterranean currently campaigns in Malta, Turkey, Lebanon and Israel.

Greenpeace Mediterranean campaigns on issues such as Disarmament, Renewable Energy, Ocean. In line with the principles of Greenpeace, Greenpeace Mediterranean is non-violent, non-political, non-profit and receives no funding from governments, industry or other commercial enterprises.

Health Emergent International Services – is a non-profit Washington Corporation striving to show love and compassion to international communities continually delivering health care services, medical education, and supporting indigenous medical communities. Health Emergent International Services is a faith-based organization working in emerging and economically developing countries with special concern for those peoples who are impoverished and vulnerable. We affirm the God given dignity and worth of each person, demonstrating efficient humanitarian efforts contributing to the alleviation of human sufferings, working fairly and equitably as guests in the nations whose peoples we serve. Colleagues, co-workers, contributors, and friends of Health Emergent International Services fully and freely donate all overhead, professional services and administrative costs. Health Emergent International Services has worked in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, Israel, Lebanon, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Tajikistan. In Afghanistan, Health Emergent International Services continues to work with the indigenous Ali-abad (University), Jamhoriat (Peoples), Abacinia (Emergency), and Rabia Balkhi (Maternity) Hospitals with cardiac support equipment, monitors, and readers, plus continuing medical education in cooperation with primarily female healthcare. In addition, HEIS is helping with the reconstruction and support of the NOOR (meaning light) ophthalmology and medical center Kabul, once deemed the best in Asia up until the nineteen eighties, after which it was summarily destroyed by the 24-years of fighting.

INSEV – Association of Human Health and Education - Since November 14, 1997, Insev aims to; Inform society about health care and education, give health and education services directly, study and research on these subjects, set up institutions to give these services, train staff for this purpose, collaborate with other NGO’s, public and private institutions, local authorities in social and cultural activities especially at socio-economically undeveloped areas of the cities, In our all activities we emphasize on equality and human rights especially for children and women who most vulnerable groups

Kids Helping Kids in Crisis - Our organization, Kids Helping Kids In Crisis, raises money for medical supplies for children in areas of war and/or disaster. KHKIC is made up of high school students who have dedicated a lot of time and work in advertising and fundraising to help these children who have become victims of these international incidents. The countries of focus at the moment are Kosovo, Turkey, and Taiwan. We are based out of Wayne, NJ.

Teachers College Peace Education Center - The Teachers College Peace Education Center's (TCPEC) mission is to further the development of the field of peace education, particularly in recognition of the unprecedented need to address issues of security, war and peace, human rights and social justice, sustainable development and ecological balance. The Peace Education Center was established to provide outreach, resourcing, training and in-service education. In accomplishing its’ mission, the Center conducts research, curricular development and outreach activities in many world regions, working in collaboration with other such centers including Miriam College, Philippines; Lebanese American University, Lebanon; Ukthal University, India; Jordan University for Science and Technology, Jordan; Seisen University, Japan; Kibbutzim College of Education, Israel; and Sabanci University in Turkey. Other working collaborations include: the University for Peace in Costa Rica, UNESCO, the United Nations, and the Global Campaign for Peace Education.

Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation - The Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) is Turkey's leading independent think-tank. TESEV's research agenda covers the major political, economic and social issues facing Turkey and the region. In an era of globalization, it promotes international integration by working with partners in Turkey, in the region and beyond, to address shared problems that can only be solved by cooperation across borders. As an entirely non-governmental organization, TESEV aims to expand the role of civil society organizations in the democratic process. By forming a bridge between scientific analysis and political decision-making, its goal is to open new channels for the alternative ideas and original thinking which are vital if Turkey is to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges of the age.

Women for Women’s Human Rights - (WWHR) is an autonomous women's NGO that was founded following the Vienna Conference on Human Rights in 1993. We aim to facilitate the empowerment of women and women's rights organizations by documenting laws and practices which promote or constrain women's rights, raising public consciousness concerning violations of these rights, increasing legal literacy, improving information exchange and solidarity between groups and individuals through active networking and outreach programs, and influencing government and other public bodies in the area of policy and legal change on the national, regional and international levels.

Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc. Service Corps Volunteer Program - Use your skills and commitment to Jewish life to help a Jewish community overseas. The JDC Jewish Service Corps sends self-starting, creative professionals and college graduates to work and live in Jewish communities around the world for one year placements. The work includes Jewish education, community outreach and development, and welfare/relief projects. JDC provides housing, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and covers all work related expenses. Placements for 2006-2007 include Austria, India, Ethiopia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Ukraine.

Service Civil International - SCI offers short-term (2-3 weeks) voluntary service projects all around the world and in various fields of action (environment, social work, human rights, antiracism, etc.).

United Planet - Volunteer opportunities in Turkey include working with a Non Profit Organization, which provide services for the local community. Currently, United Planet offers volunteer opportunities at Behice Eren Children and Youth Center. This is a home in Ankara for homeless children living on streets, some of who are rehabilitated because of their substance addiction. They need love and care to regain their self-respect and trust to society. In order to achieve this end, the center provides them lodging, food and social activities.

Volunteers for International Partnership - Become a Partnership Volunteer and learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. Equally important are the benefits your host community will derive from welcoming you and from the skills and experiences you'll bring. As a Partnership Volunteer you'll work side by side with local people in any of thirteen host countries and experience the benefits of language immersion, cultural orientation and ongoing program support. Most programs also include a homestay period - a great way to meet people and learn about the local culture. Programs are available in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ghana, Ecuador, India, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Ireland.