The humanitarian situation in north-east Syria has worsened dramatically over the past three weeks and continues to worsen. The background to this is the loss of USAID funding and the resulting withdrawal of major international aid organizations.
250,000 to 400,000 people who were previously supported by international aid programs are now cut off from all humanitarian aid. The people in the numerous emergency shelters in north-east Syria, who were barely able to cover their basic needs even before the situation became acute, are particularly affected.
„Seit dem Wegfall der USAID-Gelder sind wir die einzige internationale Organisation, die in den Camps aktiv bleibt. Wir können die Lücken, die durch den Wegfall der Unterstützung entstanden sind, kurzfristig füllen und dafür sorgen, dass die Menschen mit dem Nötigsten versorgt sind. Doch unsere Ressourcen sind begrenzt. Die Unterstützung der internationalen Gemeinschaft ist nach wie vor dringend erforderlich.“
Julian Jekel, Leiter Länderbüro Syrien
arche noVa takes responsibility and closes the gaps
In this dramatic situation, arche noVa is currently the last remaining international aid organization on the ground. Our local teams have taken over food aid in four camps, which are little more than makeshift tent cities: Washokani, Serekaniye, Abu Khashab and Twahina. In total, we reach around 50,000 people, whom we supply with essential food.
We also secure the water supply in Washokani (Hassakeh governorate), one of the largest camps. We currently supply around 400 cubic meters of water per day. This is currently the only source of water supply for around 16,000 people who have found refuge here in recent years and months. Most of them were displaced from their homes by the Turkish military offensive in 2019. They are therefore among the many internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Syria. IDPs from various parts of the country are currently living in north-east Syria.
A pressing need
Despite all our efforts, we cannot close all the gaps. The need for food, water and hygiene products is enormous and the financial resources are only sufficient for a limited period of time. In order to continue providing effective aid, we urgently need more funds. Supplying a camp with food and water alone costs between 200,000 and 250,000 euros per month.
Every contribution matters
50 euros can provide a family with food for a month. This aid is crucial for many families in the camps to ensure their daily survival.
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...and make a donation to families in Syria
arche noVa remains at the side of the people in Syria, even in this difficult situation. In addition to acute emergency aid in the emergency shelters, we are also supporting the people in the crisis-ridden country in their efforts to build a better future after the fall of the Assad regime. Our activities include measures to improve the infrastructure, activities in agriculture, education programmes, including vocational training and income-generating measures. arche noVa is active in both north-east and north-west Syria, partly with its own teams and partly with partner organizations.
