Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria last week, the country is grappling with what lies ahead. After over 50 years of al-Assad family rule, the Syrian people enter a period of uncertainty, unpredictability and hope – we spoke to a few SIDA members who are operating in Syria to hear their thoughts and updates.
British Red Cross
Rory Moylan, Head of Region for Middle East and Europe, British Red Cross said:
“We are continuing to closely follow the recent developments and ongoing humanitarian situation in Syria. People in Syria have endured immense suffering throughout the 13 years of conflict. This coupled with other crises, such as the earthquake in 2023, has led to one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world.
“The life-saving work of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) volunteers and staff, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and wider Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement continues.
“The British Red Cross has worked in partnership with SARC for many years, and here in the UK we continue to support those seeking safety. Together, we remain committed to providing humanitarian support to all those impacted by the situation in Syria.”
Islamic Relief
“Islamic Relief continues to stand with the people of Syria and has supported millions of people through humanitarian programmes.
Since the onset of the crisis, we have provided emergency relief and humanitarian aid to vulnerable people across the country, as well as refugee communities in neighbouring countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
Our emergency response is also focusing on:
- Providing emergency medicine and disposables to hospitals.
- Improving roads and drainage works in critical locations.
- Ensuring IR’s Mobile Emergency Units are ready to be mobilised to the newly accessible areas with no access to surgical rooms.
- Reassessing all projects in implementation and in pipeline vs the new realities on the ground.”
Save the Children
“500,000 children in Syria who have been forced to flee their homes in the past fortnight are in critical need of assistance. Children are already dying as temperatures plummet. They could have been protected; they could have been with us today and with their families.
After 13 years of conflict and subsequent humanitarian and economic crises, children in Syria need peace and stability. Today, and every day, we stand in solidarity with all children across the country. They deserve a brighter future.”
Firefly International
“Due to the unpredictable and dangerous situation in Northwest Syria, Firefly International has temporarily paused operations at all our centers in the region. The safety of children, families, and our dedicated staff remains our top priority, and the current circumstances make it impossible to continue our activities safely.
Here’s what led to this decision:
- Safety Concerns for Children: It’s simply not safe to bring children to our centers right now.
- Access Challenges: Movement in the region has become very difficult for both our teams and the families we support, with road closures and ongoing security risks further complicating efforts.
We are keeping a close eye on the situation and carefully assessing the risks. As soon as it is safe to do so, we hope to resume our activities and continue supporting the communities we serve.”