Syria: Malteser International starts emergency relief to Syrians fleeing violence

Up to 6,500 displaced Syrians in Damascus will receive start-up help and hygiene items

The 1,200 displaced Syrian families will receive blankets, matresses, diapers and wound care ointment.

Cologne. More than 1,200 Syrian families fleeing the increasingly violent conflict in their home region to Damascus will now receive help to start over again. Malteser International, the Order of Malta’s worldwide relief agency, is cooperating with the German Federal Foreign Office to provide up to 6,500 Syrians with the essentials not only to survive, but to stay healthy.

According to official estimates, more than 700,000 people have fled to Aleppo and Damascus alone from the disputed cities of Hama, Homs and Idlib, following the intensification of the military clashes in the region. “The great majority of them had to leave all of their possessions behind and are currently destitute, so their very ability to survive is at stake. The hosting families in Damascus are quickly running out of resources as well, and won’t be able to support them for much longer”, says Ingo Radtke, Malteser International’s Secretary General. “Under the current circumstances, it is highly unlikely that these displaced families will be able to return to their homes soon.”

Through its long-standing local partner, the International Blue Crescent (IBC), Malteser International will distribute hundreds of start-up kits for newly arrived families, containing blankets, mattresses, towels, pillows and kitchen utensils. In addition, hygiene kits containing soap, diapers and wound care ointment for babies will be given to the displaced families which are most in need. “Once again, we will respond to the needs of the population, regardless of background or political affiliation – the neutrality and impartiality of our help is of utmost importance”, Radtke says.

In order to access the areas for distribution, IBC will work together with the Syrian Red Crescent.

Attention editors: Ingo Radtke, Malteser International's Secretary General, is available for interviews. Contact through Malteser International's headquarters at +49 (0) 221 98 22-169.

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Reference: Syria emergency relief