January 24, 2015
Syria
...but neither does it start. In connection to the current question of accepting Syrian refugees we remind readers that Czech society engaged in aid at the very beggining of the conflict. This is clearly stated in the press release of Caritas Czech Republic, Diakonie ČCE and Člověk v tísni community.
The Czech republic and Czech citizens have been helping Syrians for years, and accepting 15 families for permanent residence in Czech republic is not the only involvement of aid to those affected by the Syrian conflict. During the years 2012-2014, the Czech republic supplied humanitarian, financial and material help worth 120 milion Czech Crowns to both refugees and receiving states. This help is secured by Czech nongoverment organizations in cooperation with local partners and international organizations as well. The biggest of those in Czech republic is Diakonie Českobratrské církve evangelické, Člověk v Tísni and Caritas Czech Republic.
Diakonie ČCE – a center for humanitarian and development aid (HRP) acting since 2012 in the Jordan refugee camp Za’atari, in which approximately 100 000 sought shelter. From the begining of its existence, the center, in cooperation with Lutheran World Federation Jordando, supplied 45 residental container cells, over 24 thousand pairs of winter and summer footgear, 7300 pieces of childrens‘ clothing and hygiene packs to the camp. It has supported the daily psychosocial center for youth at Peace Oasis, where young people can find expert support for dealing with emotional and psychological trauma. Through sport, music, art, plays and another activities, young people learn to face the problems connected to their current situation, strengthening their ability to handle conflicts, relationships among themselves and their parents. They are learning a nonviolent way to communicate. The mission of the center for people between 14-30 years old is therefore not only to deal with the past, but also to handle reality and to prepare for the future.
These projects were funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech rand public collection.
Člověk v tísni (People in Need Czech Republic) has been providing help directly to Syria since 2012. In provices neighboring the Turish borders, with the biggest concentration of internal refugees, they help with distribution of food, food vouchers and basic household equipment. The Syrian team of People in Need also helps to restore water and by doing so they secure drinkable water for thousands of people. They also support the local offices to secure basic services, such as refuse collection. People in Need is simultaneously one of the few organizations helping in surrounding Alepp, where they provide the victims with food and support various local schools. For the past two years they have helped over 1,3 million? Syrian people in need. 
Caritas Czech Republic have been financially supporting aid for Syria and neighboring countries since 2012. Within the region they cooperate mostly with Charity of Jordan. Directly in Syria CCR is involved in supporting health care – maintaining the functionality of mobile clinics, operated by a Polish partner. In 2014 alone, they have examined 1 333 people. Caritas Czech Republic has also financially supported the provision of food and other material help in the north and Damascus. Together with Charity of Jordan, CCR is helping Syrian refugees in Jordan. It contributed food vouchers and clothing vouchers, rentals and with housing insultion. In 2014 it launched a project designated to Syrian refugees, so that they would be able to establish their own businesses temporarily in Jordan, but more importantly when returning home. By public collection and funds from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CCR plans to continue supporting the local mobile clinics in Syria and to provide other material help. Caritas Czech Republic a provides services to immigrants and refugees in Czech Republic, and offers, through eight charitable organizations, advice, social and legal counseling, and overall help for integration into society. Caritas Czech Republic had also offered assistance to about 1 00 Syrians, mostly families with children.
