May 2, 2014 Syria

Help in Syria continues

Caritas CR, together with its partners, has been helping the victims of the conflict in Syria for over a year. Together with Caritas Jordan and non-profit institutions directly located in Syria, we have been able to house hundreds of families who have been forced from their homes and are now displaced within the country. Many have even fled to neighbouring states.

The Syrian war has persevered for three years. In connection with the “Arabian spring” of March 2011, wide anti-governmental disturbances emerged with the goal to redistribute political power. The conflicts between the demonstrators and the order forces raised up to the war without mercy among the governmental units, moderate opposition and Islamic fundamentalists.

The civil people are in a difficult situation. Many families or even entire communities were uprooted and continue to seek refuge in more secure regions within Syria or behind the borders of the neighbouring countries, such as Turkey, Jordan or Lebanon. Healthcare on the conflict sites and within various regions is difficult to access, almost unattainable. Access to healthcare also decreases in the relatively safe parts of the country because of the influx of internally displaced people. The number of incoming people exceeds the capacity of the local centres. Additionally, many inhabitants cannot afford medical treatment. Diseases and injury is cause for further concern.

Caritas CR has been participating as an intermediary between a local partner (its name cannot be indicated because of the security reasons), starting shortly after the conflict’s outburst. We are now collecting financial donations in order to ensure more active help in Syria. In 2013, the money was used mainly for aliment supplies, material help or as a contribution for accommodation. Donations can be made to the account number 55660022/0800 at Česká spořitelna, variable symbol 182 (Syria). In 2013 the money were used mainly for aliment supplies, material help or contribution for accommodation.

Mobile clinics

In response to the maintaining complicated situation, Caritas CR now prepares the implementing of mobile clinics that ensure healthcare in the region of south Idleb and north Hama on the West of Syria. The clinics will collaborate with existing health centres that continue to treat the most serious cases.

The mobile clinics will be able to treat 200 people every week. We estimate, though, that it will help more than 4,800 people. For this to happen, the clinics must receive more supplies.

Humanitarian help to the families

Moreover, Caritas CR, via local partner intermediation, continues to help Syrians. It comprises concretely aliment supplies and material help so as contributions to pay rents in the capital city of Damascus. This support is focused mainly on the extremely poor people, meaning the families with many small children or babies, families with sick persons, physically or psychologically disabled people, very poor old people, or teenagers.

For six months, 70 families will receive this financial aid, while 40 people will receive contributions for accommodation. Moreover, 60 families will receive clothing vouchers.