Migration and Social Policy Center

Migration and Social Policy Center (MPC) was founded with the purpose of providing an interworking platform for the relevant stakeholders on the topics such as migration, population movements, demography, social policy, social development, social services, care services, gender equality, social cohesion, integration, coexistence, urban belonging, and social inclusion. To contribute to the construction of cities with high quality of life and to encourage the development of fair, inclusive and participatory social service models and social policies, MPC:

Carries out scientific studies and research,
Engages in activities where local governments can benefit from good practices and experiences at the global level,
Improves coordination between local governments, national institutions, international organizations, NGOs, universities and other stakeholders,
Represents local governments at the international arena,
Carries out activities which aimed to determine common policies at the local level and encourages its members to run their activities and services in accordance with these policies,
Conducts work to ensure that local activities are in harmony with national policies, and that national norms are shaped according to the demands and needs of local governments.

Activities related to migration and social cohesion are guided by the long-term policy recommendations and strategic directions of the MMU Migration and Cohesion Committee, which is composed of mayors from different cities and political parties represented in the MMU General Assembly. The Committee is the first migration-focused body established at the local government level in Turkey.

To institutionalize and facilitate communication with its member municipalities, MMU has also established two platforms:

Migration Platform consists solely of representatives of the departments of MMU’s member municipalities working for refugees and migrants; and Social Services Platform, consist of representatives of the departments of MMU’s member municipalities working in areas social services, care services, psychosocial support, social cohesion, social assistance, and addiction. Social Services platform addresses the needs of vulnerable groups including children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, youth, people at risk of poverty, migrants, refugees, the homeless, caregivers, persons with chronic illnesses, and others at risk of social exclusion.