ShelterBox Needs District 6650 Support
The situation in Syria has reached a historic turning point with the fall of the Assad regime. This marks a significant moment in the 14-year-long civil war. However, the security situation remains highly unstable, with various armed groups and opposition forces contending for control. Violence is escalating and curfews are in place in many areas, particularly northern Syria where ShelterBox has been operating for over a decade.
The civil war has caused immense human suffering, displacing over half of Syria's pre-war population. Five and a half million people have sought refuge in neighboring countries, and 6.8 million are displaced internally. ShelterBox has assisted over 400,000 people since 2012. Over 16 million people require humanitarian assistance. Many have been displaced for more than a decade, multiple times, and a generation of children are growing up displaced or in refugee camps. Previous ShelterBox projects in Syria garnered Nobel Peace Prize nominations in 2018 and 2019. ShelterBox has provided shelter for over 25,000 households since 2020.
Now, while there is a renewed hope of returning home safely and reuniting with loved ones, the situation is fraught with uncertainty. Many are making long journeys back to Syria, unsure of what they will find. Large numbers of people are waiting for improved security before returning. Conflicts between armed groups continue to displace more people. It is vital that all factions work together to protect civilians and ensure the safe access of humanitarian aid.
The approaching winter poses a severe risk to those without adequate shelter. Our annual winterization shelter and warm clothing distributions were halted recently due to increased conflict, but we plan to resume distributions soon. We are closely monitoring the situation and scaling up our response to meet the needs of newly displaced people. Keeping people warm and sheltered is critical as winter temperatures drop below freezing.
In summary, while the fall of the Assad regime offers a glimmer of hope, the situation remains volatile and complex, with significant humanitarian challenges ahead. ShelterBox remains committed to provide shelter and more over the cold winter months.
ShelterBox support from all Rotary Clubs in District 6650 is vital to save lives in Syria and in the 14 other countries where ShelterBox is currently responding. http://www.shelterboxusa.org