241 Experiences of professionals and forcibly displaced youth within the humanitarian system: a qualitative study in Türkiye

Abstract EP2.4, e-Poster Terminal 2, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 12:55 Aims Türkiye hosts one of the largest forcibly displaced populations, accounting for 10 percent of global cross-border displacement. This study aimed to examine perceptions and recommendations of humanitarian professionals and affected populations regarding the humanitarian system, with a focus on health. Methods The study had a qualitative design, including semi-structured interviews with 22 humanitarian professionals and a photovoice study with 29 displaced youth. Data was collected in Nov-Dec 2024 following ethical approval. Interviews and photovoice discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically, alongside iconographic-iconologic analysis of photos taken by young people. Results The qualitative interview group included 13 female and 9 male professionals working in local, national and international NGOs in Türkiye. Their professional backgrounds were mostly health-related (physician, dentist, psychologist, dietician), with a few from education and social work sectors. The photovoice study involved 21 female and 8 male youth, aged between 18-25 years. Young people predominantly migrated from Syria, followed by Afghanistan and Pakistan, and were residing in Ankara, an urban setting, and Hatay, a smaller province near the border, which was hit by a major earthquake in 2023. Findings indicated a variety of challenges faced by professionals and affected populations within the humanitarian system, but also notable strengths and opportunities regarding the health care system and humanitarian NGOs. Humanitarian efforts in a prolonged crisis situation were affected by dynamic social, cultural, and economic factors, including the effects of the pandemic in 2020-2022 and the devastating earthquake in 2023. Conclusion When considering the health needs of millions of displaced people, with half of them being children and youth, there is a need for more international solidarity, as well as more localization efforts at the system level, in addition to more inclusive and health-promoting approaches for young people. Keywords Humanitarian professionals, displaced youth, photovoice