A recent report by the Associated Press has shed light on the growing poverty crisis in Turkey, revealing a stark reality where children are forced to scavenge through garbage for recyclables to help their families survive.
The economic downturn, marked by the devaluation of Turkey's currency and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's unconventional economic policies, has led to soaring inflation rates. As a result, many families struggle to afford basic necessities, including food and housing.
According to a joint report by UNICEF and the Turkish Statistical Institute, an estimated seven million of Turkey's 22 million children are expected to live in poverty by 2023. The situation has become so dire that children are often seen searching through trash with their parents to generate meager incomes.
The crisis contradicts Turkey's international image as a powerful nation with a dynamic economy. President Erdogan, who has been in power for two decades, continues to defend his party's social programs, claiming that the era of poverty is over. However, experts and citizens argue that government subsidies are insufficient to combat the rising cost of living.
Poverty researcher Hajar Fugo warns of a "burnt-out generation" emerging in Turkey. Some children are forced to choose between education and work, with many participating in programs where they work four days a week and study for one. These programs, criticized as exploitative, pay children a fraction of the minimum wage.
The long-term consequences of this crisis are severe. Children deprived of education in their early years face the risk of stunted physical and academic development, potentially condemning them to a lifetime of poverty.
As Turkey grapples with this growing crisis, the disparity between the government's rhetoric and the reality on the ground continues to widen, raising concerns about the future of the country's youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
