The Impact of Localisation on the Humanitarian Response to the 2023 Türkiye–Syria Earthquake

Abstract

The Turkey-Syria earthquake occurred on February 6, 2023, with a magnitude of 7.8 at 4 AM. It affected northern Syria and central and southern Türkiye. This study investigates the role of localisation in the humanitarian response to the 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake. Guided by a five-dimensional analytical framework—effectiveness, agency, collaboration, constraints, and enablers—the study synthesizes 26 secondary sources including humanitarian reports, evaluations, and academic literature. Findings reveal that Syrian NGOs played a central role in delivering timely and culturally appropriate shelter solutions, leveraging proximity, trust networks, and contextual knowledge. However, systemic barriers—limited access to decision-making, unequal partnerships, and insufficient direct funding—undermined their contributions. The study concludes that localisation in shelter response remains constrained by structural inequities within international humanitarian governance. Achieving its full potential requires transformative shifts in funding architecture, power distribution, and coordination practices. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance agency, inclusion, and local capacity in future crisis responses.