SOLIDARITY IS LIFE!
As Children First Association, we continue our work on the problems and solutions after the K. Maraş-based earthquake on 6 February with the sensitivity of the first day. Especially after the earthquake, we endeavour to hold a mirror to the problems experienced in the region with our activities that we try to develop from many different points and to diversify the solutions.
Since the first day, we are aware that any work to be carried out in the earthquake region must be long-term and result-oriented. One of the most important ways of conducting healthy studies on the problems experienced by children and women, our primary target group after the earthquake, is to develop solutions in the light of analyses and scientific data. In this context, we endeavour to create the most accurate and effective working perspective with research and statistics in many topics such as education, health and cultural studies.
Since 6 February 2023, as Children First Association, we have been carrying out various activities within the framework of material, moral and volunteerism in Kahramanmaraş, Malatya, Hatay and Gaziantep provinces where the effects of the earthquake were felt intensely, especially in Adıyaman. In this context, we carried out feasibility studies covering the five provinces in question in two different periods. Especially in Adıyaman province, we found that there is a negative correlation between the extent of damage and the extent of aid. For this reason, although we have identified the violations experienced by children, the main target group of the association, through our volunteers and observation, we have seen that the need to agenda the violations in a data-based and reported manner has emerged. In the light of our approximately 3-month observations, we have determined that children have been subjected to serious violations in the main topics of the right to education, the right to health, the right to shelter, the right to nutrition and the right to play, as well as the lack of an intervention and support plan that focuses on the child and his/her needs at every stage of the disaster against all risks where those responsible do not take the necessary measures. It is clear that putting the extent and effects of all violations faced by children (right to education, right to health, right to shelter, right to nutrition and right to play) on the agenda by verifying them with a specific methodology, announcing the needs emerging as a result of the data and making them visible will provide us, non-governmental organisations, with areas where we can produce actions for the existing problems.
In this context, as Children First Association, a field study was conducted by the Socio-Political Field Research Centre in partnership with Sivil Düşün between 12-19 August 2023 in the villages/rural areas of Adıyaman province on the deficiencies, needs and rights violations experienced by 215 families and their children during and after the earthquake.
Serious deficiencies were identified in access to human living conditions in terms of basic human rights such as the right to play through access to playgrounds, the right to education through access to school/education centres, and the right to health through access to health services. The first part of the questions consisting of 2 sections included demographic questions aiming to reach the socio-economic data of the families, while the second section included questions on the number of children living in the household, access to education, access to health services, access to playgrounds and meeting basic needs of these children.
As a result of the research we conducted, it was revealed that the literacy rate in rural areas of Adıyaman is quite low. It is seen that approximately 3/2 of the research group has an education level below high school. This situation shows that the right to education of children under the age of 18 has been violated for various reasons.
In total, 70.7% of the research group does not have any insurance. While the “Green Card” group within this group can only benefit from health services, it is seen that the relevant proportion does not have any social security rights, especially pension. This situation shows that almost 2 out of every 3 people, including those who have to make a living by agriculture and animal husbandry, will have to work for the rest of their lives.
One of the most important activities to be carried out for people living in the earthquake zone is to provide psycho-social support. Unfortunately, 97.7% of the research group stated that they could not access this service. These activities, which are very important for both children and their parents in order to normalise life again, have not reached almost anyone in the rural areas of Adıyaman province. This shows that these people are left alone in their struggle to cope with existing traumas.
Regarding the areas where children, who are our target group, can exercise their right to play and spend time with their peers, which is one of the most important areas of need, it has been revealed in our research that the majority of the participants in the monitoring study after the 6 February Maraş Earthquake could not access the opportunity to receive psycho-social support, and children’s right to education and learning was interrupted, The right to healthy nutrition and access to hygiene conditions have been violated for various reasons, limited playgrounds have eliminated the opportunity to spend time with peers, which is one of the most important things for children, and children’s common areas have become the settlement areas of people who have shelter problems after the earthquake. Ultimately, along with the right to shelter, children’s right to education, right to health, right to nutrition and right to play have been violated.
As Children First Association, with the outputs of the studies we have carried out and will carry out as Children First Association, we will continue to keep the earthquake disaster, which is overshadowed by the election agenda in particular and the agendas created by the political turmoil in the country in general, constantly in the spotlight and to seek solutions. Based on the data of this research, we will continue our efforts to address the needs of children in the earthquake region with scientific and accurate analyses.
27.09.2023
Regards
Children First Association
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