More than 11 years of conflict in Syria has killed hundreds and thousands of people, including women and children. The standard of living has been set back by decades. Roughly 6.9 million people are displaced within Syria while 6.8 million have been forced out of their country – which when combined, amounts to more than half of the country’s population in distress.
More than 70% of Syrians live in poverty.
Türkiye is one of the more advanced nations of those we work in across Europe. However, it’s still severely affected by poverty. High unemployment among youth and gender inequality has led to a significant setback in the economy, and inflation is rising as resources such as gas and electricity is almost unaffordable. In certain areas of the country, climate-induced natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and forest fires are very common. To add, Türkiye is the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. As of last year, it’s home to nearly 4 million refugees, 3.5 million of which are Syrian.
The recent earthquakes have led to a rising death toll of 50,000 with an estimated $84 billion in losses.
Islamic Relief’s Response
IRUSA is continuing its efforts in providing the following, prioritizing emergency relief:
- Food aid to those suffering from hunger
- Water storage units and hygiene kits to displaced families
- Essential non-food items, like cooking pots, utensils, pots, soaps and detergents, solar-powered lamps, towels, and more
- Family-sized emergency tents and the necessary tools for pitching
- Emergency aid for families affected by natural disasters including the Van and Izmir earthquakes alike as well as floods and forest fires
- Humanitarian aid for Syrian and Iraqi refugees including access to basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education as well as orphan family support
Your advocacy, volunteerism, and donations are how we can help support and get aid to families who are in desperate need right now. Click below to take action today.