As the Syrian conflict reaches its fifth year, millions of refugees are fleeing the war-torn country. The majority of the 4 million Syrian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries see no prospect of returning home in the near future. According to the UNHCR, over 7.5 million are internally displaced within Syria where the situation is deteriorating quickly and with a large number risking their lives and the lives of their families to seek a brighter future in Europe, it is estimated that more than 220,000 people have lost their lives as a result of the conflict. Over 6 million people have fled their homes and in Syria there are over 12 million people who are in desperate need of humanitarian aid such as food, water and shelter.
With support, a number of organisations have been providing the necessary aid to refugees and those still residing in Syria. However, these organisations are in desperate need of donations to help them continue to provide medicine, food, winter clothing and other essential items. By doing so, refugees are being protected from resorting to smugglers and falling prey to traffickers.
Appeals – How you can donate:
- Oxfam’s Syria Crisis Appeal: Oxfam has already reached over one million people who are desperately in need. Help them in continuing to support those who are suffering.
- UNHCR’s Syria Crisis Appeal: UNHCR aims to provide basic humanitarian aid and protect those most vulnerable from “greater suffering, exploitation and dangerous abuse”. Your donation could help them in this vital mission.
- The British Red Cross Syria Crisis Appeal: The Red Cross gives urgent aid, medical care, food among other essentials to those in desperate need.
- Save the Children Appeal: Pledge support for those fleeing war and prosecution.
- Donate to the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS): to help prevent loss of migrant life at sea.
- Donate to the International Rescue Committee: restoring safety to the millions forced to flee their homes.
- Help save refugee lives with Refugee Action: provide emergency care parcels and advice on claiming asylum.
- Donate to the World Vision Syria Crisis Appeal: providing food, water, blankets, education and shelter.
- Make a donation to Medecins Sans Frontieres: providing surgery and healthcare to those affected by conflict. They are appealing for help to provide essential medical supplies for its hospitals in Syria.
- Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross’s Syria Appeal: providing water and food and support the evacuation of those wounded by the conflict.
- Donate to the World Food Programme: as the largest humanitarian agency working inside Syria, WFP helps provide food assistance to those most in need.
- Donate to UNICEF’s Children of Syria Appeal: giving children crucial supplies such as clean water, medicine and psychological support.
Add your name to a petition:
- The UK Government and Parliament Petition to “Accept more asylum seekers and increase support for refugee migrants in the UK.”
- The Independent’s petition to “Accept its fair share of refugees seeking safety in Europe”.
- A petition from one of the 80 Syrian war refugees who are waiting in Calais for their rightful and legal asylum in the UK.
- The UK Government and Parliament Petition to “Create a compassionate Euro-wide policy to deal with refugee migrants in Calais”.
- The UK Government and Parliament Petition to help end the Calais crisis which proposes safe transport for the refugees to the UK and help with asylum applications.
Prime Minister David Cameron's recent response to the Refugee Crisis
Speaking in Lisbon on 4 September 2015, Cameron acknowledged the over £900 million in aid that Britain extends to those affected in Syria and the neighbouring region. He continued that Britain has already accepted around 5,000 Syrians and has confirmed that “thousands more” will be accepted under existing resettlement schemes which will be kept under review.
A number of newspapers have already commented on this latest development including:
· The Daily Telegraph who write that David Cameron confirms Britain will act with its ‘head and its heart’ and accept thousands of refugees.
· The BBC have also reported that the UK is to accept ‘thousands’ more Syrian refugees.
· The Times newspaper quotes the Prime Minister as stating that: “migrants need our hearts as well as our heads”.
· The Guardian who state that David Cameron says the UK will take thousands more Syrian refugees.
