Johanniter in Syria
Why we are on site
Civil war has been raging in Syria since 2011. Since then, it is estimated that over half a million people have lost their lives. Around 13 million displaced people are the sad result of one of the biggest humanitarian crises of recent decades. Half of the Syrian refugees are on the run within the country. The other half sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
On 6 February 2023, severe earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 7.8 and numerous aftershocks occurred in southern Turkey and north-western Syria. More than 50.000 people died and 80.000 were injured.
What we achieve together with our partner organisations
In the first few weeks after the earthquakes in Jindires and Afrin, we provided emergency aid and supplied the affected people with 34,000 hot meals together with the MAPS organisation. Together, we also supported five hospitals with 2,000 litres of fuel for generators and patient transport. Building materials for 175 damaged houses as well as vouchers and cash to buy everyday necessities are enabling people to return to their homes and provide for their families.
With our partner BAHAR, we are now helping people to earn money in the short term through a cash-for-work programme with manual activities and do good for the community in the process. In the long term, the aim is to make particularly needy women and men independent of aid by helping them to become self-employed with their skills and ideas through courses. They also receive start-up money and counselling.
The earthquake also destroyed important infrastructure. Together with BAHAR we are rebuilding damaged water tanks, supply roads and canals, thereby improving the living conditions of 7000 people.
Future projects in Syria
"Now it is important to strengthen people's resilience and confidence so that they can become independent of aid in the long term," says Sevin Ibrahim, Johanniter project manager in the region. That's why we are planning further projects with our partners to improve living conditions and sources of income for those affected. There will also be psychosocial programmes for people who have experienced terrible things as a result of the conflict and the earthquake.
Turkey after the earthquakes
Johanniter also supports people in Turkey who lost their homes after the earthquakes in February 2023.