Press release – 14 October 2019
Families fleeing airstrikes in north east Syria have received ShelterBox aid this weekend. Syrians who were already living away from home in a displacement camp were forced to evacuate once again.
The thermally lined tents provided for families at the new camp are designed to help them face the harsh Syrian winter. They include sleeping mats and adaptations to safely accommodate a stove.
More than 250,000 people affected by the Syrian conflict have already received ShelterBox aid, since the charity first responded to the crisis in December 2012. This makes it the largest and most sustained response in the charity’s 19-year history. The need is as urgent as ever.
Jack Bailey, a ShelterBox Operations Coordinator who is working on the Syria response, said:
‘Latest figures show that 160,000 people are now being forced to move because of the conflict in north east Syria, and that number is expected to rise.
‘These are families just like ours whose lives have been thrown upside down, targeted where they should feel safe. When people are caught up in the fighting, they’re left with very few options amidst the chaos.
‘We’re working with trusted partners in Syria who have the local understanding and experience to get the right aid to where it will help most. It was reassuring to hear from them that our tents are already providing much-needed shelter and privacy for families uprooted once again.
‘We’re grateful to everyone who’s responded to our urgent appeal so far. Your support means we can help more families affected by this conflict, both now and in the future.’
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