Donate to help children in Syria

CRISIS IN SYRIA: HELP DELIVER LIFE-SAVING AID TO CHILDREN

SITUATION UPDATE:

Thousands of children and families are at risk after two devastating earthquakes and dozens of aftershocks hit northern Syria and south-east Türkiye on February 6, 2023.

The initial 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit just after 4 AM local time, while many children and families were asleep. This was followed by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake later in the day.

Thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the two countries, with thousands more injured. As rescue attempts continue, the death toll will likely increase.

Thousands of homes have been destroyed, displacing families and exposing them to the elements at a time of year when temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and snow and freezing rain are common. Scores of schools, hospitals and other medical and educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed by the quakes, further impacting children. Potential damage to roads and critical infrastructure will also complicate search and rescue efforts and the wider humanitarian response.

Children in Syria are already extremely vulnerable. Nearly twelve years of conflict, economic downturn, food insecurity and displacement have left thousands of families struggling to survive.

We urgently need your support to reach children affected by this catastrophe with life-saving essentials. Donate now.

HOW WILL MY DONATION HELP CHILDREN IN SYRIA?

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, children are in urgent need of shelter, protection, safe drinking water, nutrition and hygiene essentials.

UNICEF is working around the clock to support the humanitarian situation and deliver life-saving aid. Your gift today will help provide support such as:

• Assessing the immediate and ongoing needs for children and families impacted;
• Protecting children who have been separated from their families;
• Ensuring affected children and families have access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.

* These are calculated average costs with 10% transportation cost included.

HOW URGENT WAS THE HUMANITRIAN CRISIS IN SYRIA BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKES?

Before the devastation caused by the earthquakes, more than 14.6 million people, including 6.5 million children required immediate assistance. About 6.9 million people, including 3 million children, are internally displaced. A full two thirds of the population requires assistance due to a worsening economic crisis, localized hostilities, mass displacement and devastated public infrastructure.

Now, the impact of such a catastrophe makes the situation even more desperate.

HOW HAS UNICEF BEEN HELPING SYRIAN CHILDREN?

UNICEF has been providing support in Syria and in refugee camps in neighbouring countries since the conflict began nearly 12 years ago, bringing life-saving help and support to children and families.

Because of donations from caring donors, in 2021:

1. Nearly 1.3 million children and women received micronutrient supplements to help combat malnutrition
2. More than 3.8 million people benefited from improved access to safe water 
3. More than 2.2 million children received educational services
4. Over 1 million children were reached with child protection support and psycho-social support