Welthungerhilfe Calls for Long-Term Support for Earthquake Victims in Syria and Turkey
At the international donor conference in Brussels, Welthungerhilfe is calling for sustained and long-term support for victims of the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. The organization stresses the need for new, flexible funds to address not only the acute emergency but also structural deficits.
Welthungerhilfe, an international aid organization, has called for long-term and sustainable support for those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey during a donor conference held in Brussels on Monday. The organization stated that new funds are urgently needed, which can be used flexibly to alleviate not only the acute humanitarian crisis but also structural deficiencies and to strengthen regional economic cycles.
The organization emphasized that long-term investments in reconstruction, involving local actors, are essential. The severe earthquakes in February 2023 have exacerbated an already catastrophic situation for millions in Syria, who had lost their livelihoods due to years of civil war. According to UN figures, over 15 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance.
"Nearly six weeks after the devastating earthquake, the need in Turkey and Syria remains high," said Mathias Mogge, Secretary-General of Welthungerhilfe. "While in Turkey, support reached many affected people within days, victims in Syria had to wait too long for help. Meanwhile, military attacks in northwest Syria continue unabated." Mogge added that people who have lost everything must also seek shelter from aerial attacks.
Welthungerhilfe has been active in the region since 2013, supporting refugees and host communities in northwest Syria and southeastern Turkey through its regional office in Gaziantep and project offices in Syria, along with local partner organizations. The organization is appealing for donations to aid earthquake victims.