Since 2011, the Syrian conflict is a constellation of overlapping crises. Each of the related international and regional dimensions necessitate tailored responses within an overarching framework. The recent escalations, conflicts, natural disasters, diseases compound urgent humanitarian needs of the lives of civilians. Together with the start of the conflict, Turkey has taken a proactive approach and now hosting the largest refugee population in the world, which is over 4 million and the vast majority includes women, children and elderly population. In addition to that, Europe hosts the largest number of international migrants (82 million); Hence, Migrant needs are always in centre of European Humanitarian policy. The humanitarian field is complex and a difficult environment to navigate. By stating that undesirable or harmful outcomes may be resulted from the humanitarian response, it is emphasized that the agencies are required to seek for collaboration to diminish or prevent these adverse impacts. Therefore, focusing on innovative humanitarian relief framework emphasizes the development and improvement of the local and national capacity in the response towards the crisis and the requirement to establish stronger ties among National Societies. This project is a global humanitarian initiative led by five international National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies that are Turkish Red Crescent, British Red Cross, Danish Red Cross (Dansk Rode Kors), Bulgarian Red Cross and Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This country consortium is aimed the development and improvement of the local and national capacity in the response towards the crisis and the requirement to establish stronger ties with the local organizations. By stating that undesirable or harmful outcomes may be resulted from the humanitarian response, it is emphasized that the agencies are required to seek for collaboration to diminish or prevent these adverse impacts. It could be used as a reference tool for developing a country consortium or strengthening an existing collaboration among emergency response agencies and wider stakeholders, including local government and local communities. Project community has been working to improve the speed, quality and effectiveness of emergency preparedness and response in the humanitarian community by building capacity at the field, organizational and global humanitarian sector levels. The key principles of collaboration, partnership and non-duplication provide a framework for participating agencies to work together towards improved response. Together with the sharing response concerns, two pillars are determined as a common objective among the National Societies collaboration. Sharing National Societies’ action plans as a response to the emergencies, resources and approaches will be the starting point for understanding each member’s mandate, priorities and ways of working. Opportunities are aimed to develop joint strategies and initiatives will result from analysis of the challenges, weaknesses and/or gaps within Protection and Cash Programs. Developing a common log frame and work plan together as a consortium will ensure that the members are clear on why they are collaborating and what their priorities are. Project teams are working together to develop a cyclical process of experiential learning, action, reflection, and learning, with an aspiration that this cycle is owned by the participating agencies and communicate with the wider sector to improve our ability to respond to emergencies. The participants of this collaboration will work together via preparation meetings, working groups, exchange groups, workshop and trainings. For that purpose, the following objectives are aimed to be achieved within the project: Objective 1: Identifying, compiling and sharing experience and knowledge of four partners National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies on protection and cash-based interventions from their respective contexts regarding migration (British Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent, Bosnian Red Cross and Bulgarian Red Cross) Objective 2: Strengthening the competence of staff on protection and cash-based intervention to improve HR capacities through exchanges, trainings and on- the -job exercises.
The NSCEP project focuses on strengthening National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies through various key objectives: Network Development: Establishing cross-border networks for effective communication and support among National Societies during crises. Qualified Learning: Expanding tailored learning opportunities for National Society professionals to enhance their humanitarian response skills. Upskilling Pathways: Promoting professional development to empower individuals and contribute to the humanitarian community. Outreach and Motivation: Developing strategies to increase the reach and impact of humanitarian activities, encouraging societal engagement. Educator Competence: Improving educators' abilities to pass knowledge and skills to future humanitarian professionals. Specifically focusing on "Cash" and "Protection," the project includes on-site visits, staff exchanges, capacity exchange training, and skill-sharing meetings, all aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and enhancing overall capabilities. These activities collectively support the project's goal of creating a responsive, collaborative humanitarian future.
The Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) sought participation in this project due to its strategic focus on capacity-building within partnering National Societies, with a specific emphasis on cash assistance and protection in the context of migration. This alignment was driven by an acute awareness of the urgent need to augment capabilities in navigating the multifaceted challenges inherent in humanitarian crises, particularly those involving migratory populations. The project's dedication to cash assistance is of paramount importance, as it offers a flexible and immediate form of aid, essential in scenarios where conventional methods of support may prove inadequate. Furthermore, the aspect of protection in the context of migration is critical, addressing the distinct vulnerabilities of migrants, encompassing aspects of safety, legal rights, and psychosocial care. The Turkish Red Crescent's application for this project was motivated by a commitment to enhancing the operational capacity and effectiveness of National Societies in these critical areas, leveraging the project's innovative strategies and comprehensive resources to better meet the needs of affected populations.