by Fabio Testini, ProMosaik Italia, June 20, 2016

Our interview with Secil Kuyucak of IOM (International
Organization for Migration)


– How come you decided to do this job? 

It was always my dream to work in the NGO sector. I work for IOM (International
Organization for Migration). I
speak 4 languages and I’m good at coping in stressfful situations with
little support. 

– Being a woman with a multicultural background has
hindered or helped you in your work?

It depends, going to the border wasnt always easy but
being a woman helps with suppliers.  It facilitates
Procurement.

– What do you remember about your first day at the
borders? What stories did you collect during your job? 
 



Many vulnerable Syrian families.  Once a family offered
me their baby because they couldn’t take care of it.

– How have you seen the immigrant/refugees population
change since then and what has driven those changes?


 
It is getting worse. Hope is diminishing every passing
year. Poverty and disparity are increasing.

– What are the main problems/real needs for
immigrants/refugees? 


 
Income, housing, jobs, recognition from Turkish
Republic, residency permit, children going to school, food
security, protection  gender based violence, refugee
lawsand rights, etc.

 
I think as long as Assad will remain in power, it wont end. Syria will
probably be divided in 3 and reconstruction will last 10+ years.  The Syrians in Turkey will integrate and eventually become Turkish
citizens.