UNICEFF UK launch emergency Syria and Turkiye appeal

Hi all,

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) has launched an appeal to help children affected by the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye (Turkey). Please find details below as to how the UK public and your readers can support our response.

If you could include details of this appeal within your publication, we would be very grateful. We have spokespeople available in the impacted areas of Syria, and in the wider region, who can talk about how the situation is unfolding on the ground.

What is happening?

Thousands have been killed and tens of thousands severely affected by the huge earthquakes that hit large parts of Türkiye and Syria on 6 February. The epicenter of the first 7.8 magnitude earthquake was near Gaziantep in south-east Türkiye, close to the border with Syria. It is the strongest on record in the area and struck in the early hours as people were sleeping. Many thousands of homes have collapsed, with people trapped in the rubble.

 

UNICEF is especially concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children who have lost their homes, those who are sleeping rough, and those who have been separated from their families. Thousands of homes are likely to 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 and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed.

 

What is UNICEF doing to help children and families – what will the money help fund?

UNICEF is working round the clock to protect the health and welfare of children. Children face extra risks to their health without supplies of food and clean water.

UNICEF in Syria is mobilising supplies and services to support the urgent needs of children and families. In Türkiye, UNICEF is ready to support the response as and when requested by the Government.

 

How can the UK public support?

We are helping to make sure that child health and protection services are sustained, and families have clean water and nutritious food.

You can help protect children in the region by donating to UNICEF UK’s appeal: https://unicef.uk/earthquake