Problems Experienced by Individuals Who Do Not Have a Legal Identity in the Context of Rights-Based Social Service: A Qualitative Study in Istanbul, Turkey

Uzunaslan I., SERPEN A. S.

JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL WORK, cilt.11, sa.1, ss.43-66, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 11 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s41134-025-00411-w
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL WORK
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.43-66
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Birth registration, Citizenship identity, Non-identity, Rights-based social work
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study presents qualitative research findings on why individuals lack legal identity documents, focusing on those in Istanbul, Turkey. Through in-depth interviews with ten men and ten women without citizenship, four main themes emerged: reasons for non-identification, associated problems, coping methods, and social policy needs. Lack of awareness, single-parent family status, immigration status, and legal challenges contribute to non-identity. Consequences include education and health system exclusion, economic limitations, political disempowerment, social exclusion, and psychological stress. Respondents employ short-term and often illegal coping strategies. The study underscores the necessity for protective social work measures and policies emphasizing human rights and social justice. Recommendations prioritize a rights-based social work approach to address systemic barriers to human rights.