Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation–Turkey

The Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation–Turkey (OSIAF-Turkey) acts as a liaison office that facilitates collaboration between Turkish civil society and the Soros foundations network, and makes recommendations on providing financial and technical assistance to further political reform and European Union integration. The foundation has supported social, economic, and EU membership research; human rights initiatives; and educational reform. OSIAF-Turkey activities in 2006 focused on supporting research on impediments to women’s participation in the public sphere, development of a local governance participation model, urban sustainability processes, and the use of information technology in democratization.

The following briefs describe some of the program’s activities and accomplishments in 2006.

Civil Society Efforts Promote EU Membership

The foundation supported efforts to adopt economic and social reforms that will help Turkey meet EU criteria for admission and to ensure more objective debate in Europe about Turkish membership. OSI commissioned a practical guide showing how joining the EU would change the lives of ordinary people. The foundation also supported the monitoring of debate in the EU regarding Turkey, research on how EU countries evaluate Turkey, and efforts to base the membership issue on evidence rather than emotions.

Foundation Assistance Strengthens Open Society

A woman who obtained microcredit to buy a used washing machine and start a laundry business. A refugee who received assistance for legal, medical, and housing needs. A civil society activist who improved her organizational skills through a long distance education program. These are just a few of the people helped by the foundation’s efforts to strengthen open society in Turkey through support for women’s participation in public life, political reform, independent media, information technology for democratization, and other initiatives.