After this great disaster that we have experienced, civil society organizations that have quickly organized themselves are involved in search and rescue operations, while providing emergency humanitarian aid. We are aware that many individuals and institutions from abroad want to support the work of civil society organizations in Turkey. In addition, we have prepared a brief information note on whether financial assistance from abroad is subject to approval.
According to the legislation that regulates the collection of aid, there is no obligation to obtain prior authorization for financial assistance that comes to the earthquake areas from abroad and that the organizations do not request by disclosing their account numbers.
However, as stipulated in Article 21 of the Law on Associations and Article 25 of the Law on Foundations, there is an obligation to report before using the relief funds. For this purpose, associations must fill out the form 'Notification of Receipt of Aid from Abroad' through DERBİS and foundations through VERBIS.
On the other hand, with the Presidential Decision published in the Official Gazette on February 8, 2023, a state of emergency was declared for 3 months in Adana, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Şanlıurfa. However, the legislative decrees that will govern the state of emergency have not yet been published. As we continue to monitor the process, we will continue to provide the information that civil society organizations need to overcome this difficult process together and heal our wounds.
In solidarity
Side by side, shoulder to shoulder!