The humanitarian organisation Kurdistan Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê) has released a video calling for aid donations for displaced persons entering the Kurdish-led North and East Syria (Rojava or NES) from wider Syria. The Kurdistan Red Crescent will use the funds raised to help tens of thousands of refugees fleeing ethnic persecution in Shahba (Şehba) and Tel Rifaat (Til Rifat) to areas governed by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
The video features Hozan Shemdin, a famous Kurdish singer who has been on the music scene for more than 35 years, and is known for his resistance songs against the assimilation of Kurdish culture. In his message, Shemdin calls on the international community to ‘help people in need’ and support those who have sought refuge in AANES-led territories by contributing to the aid campaign.
Hundreds of thousands of people have sought refuge in NES, fleeing their homes in Shahba and Tel Rifaat following threats and violence by the Turkish-backed mercenaries of the Syrian National Army (SNA). While the vast majority of those displaced are Kurds, other ethnic groups, such as Arabs and Armenians, are among those seeking refuge under the AANES.
Since violence in Syria escalated at the end of November, the AANES has welcomed hundreds of thousands of people to North and East Syria, mainly in the cities of Raqqa (Reqqa) and Tabqa (Tebqa). The people are being assisted by the Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurd), the Syrian sister organisation of the Kurdistan Red Crescent, who provide basic neccessities such as food, medicine, hygiene products and shelter from freezing conditions, all of which are in scant supply.
The Kurdish Red Crescent and the AANES have called for mobilisation and donations to buy and distribute the goods needed. The Kurdistan Red Crescent, which operates in Germany, has sent 250,000 euros in aid to its partner in AANES,
Kurdish Red Crescent launches emergency aid for displaced people in northern Syria
However, the huge number of refugees poses a serious challenge. For this reason, the Kurdistan Red Crescent is continuing its aid campaign and calling for more assistance. Information on how to donate can be found at this link or at the Kurdistan Red Crescent X page.
