The ICRC has had a base in Ankara since 2003, when the Turkish authorities agreed to the opening of a temporary mission in relation to the situation in Iraq. The mission focuses mainly on protection issues concerning Turkish nationals affected by the conflict. It also provides logistic support to assistance programmes in the region.

It works with the Turkish armed forces to seek closer integration of international humanitarian law (IHL) into their training programmes and to foster better understanding of the ICRC’s role in conflict situations.

The ICRC is cooperating with the Turkish Red Crescent in introducing IHL teaching modules in secondary schools.

Presence (2009): 6 staff, including 2 expatriate