The people of Aleppo are in more danger than ever. On 12 December, the United Nations confirmed that more than 80 civilians were killed by Syrian troops. Though millions have fled Aleppo since the civil war began in 2011, those who have not had the option of fleeing are currently experiencing daily air strikes, sieges and executions. These victims need all the help they can get to stay safe.
On Tuesday, an emergency UN meeting was called to address the current crisis taking place in the midst of the Syrian civil war. With thousands of civilians trapped in the center of rebellion areas of Aleppo, humanitarian organizations in the area are desperate for more resources. Here are some of the ways you can help the people of Aleppo today.
1) Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders is dedicated to providing medical assistance to war-torn countries. On November 17, one of the organization's Aleppo hospitals suffered from an air strike that killed more than 20 workers and patients. Aid workers have remained in the city and aim to continue to help Aleppo citizens despite the violence.
2) The White Helmets
The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, are a group of volunteers who search recently bombed locations and rescue surviving and or trapped civilians. So far, the group has successfully saved more than 73,530 people from attacks in Syria. You can help by donating to the cause here.
3) Oxfam International
Oxfam International provides showers, clean water, and toilets to those currently living in refugee camps. The organization also provides refugees with medical aid and legal advice. To donate to Oxfam, click here.
4) The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees
The main focus of the UNHCR is to provide refugees in war-torn countries with necessities such as hygiene kits, sleeping bags, and medicine. The organization began to distribute goods to the people of Aleppo on December 12.
5) Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA is made up of volunteers who provide aid to those in need without any discrimination against gender, race, or religion. Help the relief organization by donating here.
6) Planet Syria
There are other ways to help out the cause than just donating money. Planet Syria is a nonviolent activist organization with the mission of spreading the word about the crisis in Aleppo through peace talks. If you don't have money to give, but want to support the cause, you can help Planet Syria simply by signing the cause statement and sharing it online to help spread awareness.
7) International Committee of the Red Cross
The ICRC, along with its partner, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), are committed "to act as a neutral and impartial humanitarian intermediary" during the Syrian conflict. You can make donations to both organizations to help provide food and medical deliveries to those in need.
8) The International Rescue Committee
The IRC's main mission is to meet with those who have recently fled Aleppo and are working to make the near-by-town of Al Dana home. Al Dana is currently preparing for the influx of displaced people, who have been driven away from Aleppo and into the city. Donations to the IRC will go towards providing families who have escaped the city with necessities such as food, gas and emergency supplies like bedding, soap and towels.
9) Hand in Hand for Syria
Hand in Hand for Syria works to provide help to the most difficult-to-reach places. Sadly, some of the organization's Eastern Aleppo members were forced to abandon their work after pro-government forces took over their area. To help Hand in Hand, you can donate to the emergency appeal to help families fleeing the city. With the donations, the organization aims to provide food, medical aid and winter supplies to those in need.
10) Save the Children
Save the Children's mission is provide families with winter clothes, shelter, clean water and immediate care. In a recent statement, the charity announced that their main goal is to help "families who are desperate to leave are being shown no dignity or humanity. We must at least now end this carnage and safely evacuate the remaining civilians."Donate to their cause here.
From: Harpers Bazaar
