Beirut/Ankara/Geneva, 13 December – Syria remains one of the most serious and complex crises in the world. Many people are now on the move following the change of rule, either returning to Syria or within Syria itself, but years of conflict have ravaged lives, toppled homes and destroyed livelihoods. What people will find on their return is not clear.
The full picture of Syria’s future is yet to emerge but what we can say without question is that in a country that has suffered such trauma for so long, people will need life-saving support right now, and in the coming months, before the road to any kind of recovery can begin.
The IFRC and its network stand with the people of Syria and continue to support the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) as its branches deliver emergency medical care, food, clean water and basic supplies to tens of thousands of people across the country. We know needs will grow as people start to rebuild lives left behind – and we are ready to accelerate and expand our work.
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SARC branches are providing emergency health care, psychosocial support, food, basic supplies and safe water for people throughout Syria, including those who have been waiting at Sednaya Prison. SARC is also helping people who are trying to trace loved ones they have become separated from or who have disappeared over the years. SARC continues to lead the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement response in Syria as the national convener, especially during this time of political uncertainty and humanitarian need.
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The Turkish Crescent is providing food and basic supplies at border crossings for the many people who are trying to return to Syria.
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The Jordanian Red Crescent is helping to transport vital supplies across the border and managed to send the first convoy of trucks on 11 December.
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The IFRC allocated 1 million CHF to Syria through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) shortly after the escalation in the north began and has readied its warehouses and logistics hubs in order to increase aid deliveries to the country and to support humanitarian efforts in the new context, as it evolves.
For more information or to set up an interview contact: media@ifrc.org
In London: Nichola Jones, +44 7715459956
In Ankara: Sevil Erkuş, +90 536 644 9122
In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367
Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109