It’s been one week since two deadly earthquakes killed at least 36,000 people across Türkiye and Syria. Our partner, Women Now for Development (WND) tells us humanitarian aid is still not reaching war torn regions of Northwest Syria. As many as 5.3 million people in Syria have been left homeless by this disaster, according to the UN, many sleeping in subzero temperatures without food or medical attention.
Our colleagues at WND and the women we serve in that region have already been displaced several times during the war and are mentally devastated by this latest trauma. Our priority is to help them address their most urgent needs, including covering evacuation and relocation costs, emergency cash assistance and psychosocial support.
Earthquakes know no borders – we cannot deprive the Syrian people of their right to humanitarian aid. The international community must step up to allow aid to reach Syria through all border crossings and this aid must address the unique needs of women who, as caregivers, shoulder the highest burden of any crisis.
Join us in calling for a coordinated and women-centered international humanitarian response to the earthquake by signing the petition here.
*Photo by Ahmed Akacha.
