Comparative analysis of social and cultural cohesion activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: The cases of Türki̇ye and Germany

Throughout history, mass migrations have posed significant challenges, intensifying difficulties for the international community. The Syrian civil war, sparked by the Arab Spring, displaced millions, creating a crisis that required urgent international response. In this context, Türkiye, as the second-largest host of refugees globally, has provided shelter to millions of Syrians, while Germany, ranking fourth, has played a key role in refugee integration. In Türkiye, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) supports refugees by facilitating access to housing, education, healthcare, and employment. In Germany, UNHCR aids in language acquisition, cultural adaptation, and labor market integration. This thesis explores how migration policies are shaped by international norms and humanitarian values, comparing the social and cultural integration of refugees in Türkiye and Germany. The thesis posits that UNHCR has established norms for refugee integration, influencing state policies. Using social constructivism as its theoretical framework, it examines UNHCR's impact on the integration policies of Türkiye and Germany, highlighting the organization's critical role in global migration management.and compares the integration policies of Türkiye and Germany. In this regard, it highlights the critical role of UNHCR in global migration management.