How local groups, volunteers are helping displaced in northern Syria
Local organizations and volunteers are mobilizing efforts to cater to the needs of thousands of displaced who fled the Turkish offensive in northeastern Syria.
Since Oct. 9, the area expanding from Sari Kani/Ras al-Ain to Gire Spi/Tell Abyad in northeastern Syria has been witnessing clashes and violent battles between the Turkish army and armed factions affiliated with the Syrian opposition and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
Although Turkey agreed to pause its offensive Oct. 17, the waves of displaced from these areas increased because people feared for their lives. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, around 300,000 people have been displaced from Sari Kani since the clashes broke out.
A video posted online showed a large displacement from Sari Kani to various Kurdish communities. As a result, a group of young people from local civil organizations in Qamishli launched personal initiatives to provide the displaced with some of their needs.
Activist Naz Hami told Al-Monitor, “The idea started with some civil society activists to get a feel of the field situation of the displaced from Sari Kani. We formed a crisis cell made of local organizations in Qamishli, then we collected financial donations from members and examined the needs of the displaced.”
