After the earthquake: “Relief efforts remain urgently needed”

As the international community is largely absent from northwest Syria, relief efforts largely fall on local initiatives, such as the Syrian organization Olive BranchThe NGO shares protective material to those affected and prepares fresh meals in both Turkey and Syria with a mobile kitchenThey also emphasize the importance of education and therefore organize educational and recreational activities with children from the affected regions. Families forced to live in their olive groves because their homes have been destroyed will also receive gas cylinders and fresh vegetables.

Women Now for Development has special regard for the interests of women and girls in the disastrous consequences of the earthquake. The Syrian organization protects pregnant women, sets up programs to prevent sexual harassment and facilitates psychosocial support for women and children. “The specific needs of women are often forgotten, while in times of crisis they are even more exposed to violence and exploitation,” explains Zeinah Kanawati, spokesperson for Women Now . “Our organization distributes clothing and blankets on the ground, but also menstrual products, diapers and baby milk. We also highlight in the media the needs and situation of women and girls in this disaster situation.”

Basmeh & Zeitooneh immediately set up a relief campaign on the day of the earthquake. So far, they have raised more than one and a half million dollars, which they use entirely for their work. The organization distributes heating material and fresh meals in areas flooded by destroyed dams. They also buy medicines for hospitals on the border between Turkey and Syria. They also provide shelter and food in hard-hit cities in northwestern Syria. 

Also Oxfam Belgium, Caritas International and Doctors of the World – all three members of Consortium 12-12 – focus primarily on the most urgent emergency aid. In both Syria and Turkey, they provide victims with drinking water, food, health care, shelters, clothing, heating equipment and medical and psychological care.