At least 239 Children Die from Preventable Causes Across Turkey This Year
A report by the FİSA Child Rights Center says at least 239 children died from preventable causes in Turkey during June, July and August 2026.
According to the FİSA Child Rights Center, at least 239 children died from preventable causes in Turkey during the summer months of 2026, based on a compilation of media reports, the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey’s Documentation Center and Health and Safety Labor Watch data. Fatalities were documented in 63 provinces, with Urfa (18 deaths), Antep (12) and Diyarbakır (10) reporting the highest counts. Fourteen deaths were tied to actions or omissions of public institutions, including health services, sports activities, local government services and border crossings.
Work-related incidents caused 44 deaths, many involving child laborers, vocational students and refugee children. Additional deaths resulted from drownings in state-run water bodies, traffic crashes, domestic accidents, violence, suicides, firearm incidents and other negligence. The report highlighted that the true number of deaths could be higher than identified.
Why it matters
The findings expose systemic gaps in child safety and oversight, urging urgent policy action in Turkey.
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