The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is racing to meet the needs of five million people across Syria as the country continues to grapple with one of the world’s most complex crises.
The IFRC has launched a 130 million CHF Emergency Appeal which will support the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to deliver vital aid to communities across the country. This includes critical health care, urgently needed food and shelter supplies, cash assistance and psychological support for those experiencing trauma, and help to families trying to trace loved ones who have disappeared during the 13-year conflict.
Many people are on the move following the recent change of ruling power, either returning to Syria or traveling within Syria itself. Years of conflict have ravaged lives, toppled homes, and destroyed livelihoods. What people will find on their return is not clear.
IFRC Regional Director for MENA, Dr Hossam Elsharkawi said: “Entire towns and villages have been flattened in over a decade of hostilities; schools, hospitals, roads, and shops have been destroyed. Internally displaced people, those choosing to return to Syria and host communities need significant support to survive in an environment without basic services, shelter, jobs, and healthcare. Our focus right now is on life-saving support for the population. SARC’s teams are providing critical care via ambulances, mobile clinics and health centres, and its branches are distributing essential supplies like food and water. We hope that in time, communities will be able to look to the future and start the road to recovery. We will be alongside them on that journey.”
SARC is a national independent humanitarian institution with 14 branches, 64 active sub-branches, and over 9,000 volunteers. It is proving crucial to the humanitarian response in Syria.
The IFRC Syria Complex Emergency Appeal, launched today, will support its activities and provide large-scale aid supplies and distributions, logistics and transport support, help restore shelter and livelihoods through cash and in-kind assistance, strengthen capacities of SARC branches, and provide technical support and coordination for at least 12 months. It will also enable support for National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in neighboring countries, should the needs of people on the move from or to Syria change or grow in the coming months.
