International aid agency World Vision is warning that children in war-torn Syria are at greater risk of exploitation and
abuse, as Monday’s massive earthquake has left so many homeless.
International aid agency World Vision is warning that children in war-torn Syria are at greater risk of exploitation and
abuse, as Monday’s massive earthquake has left so many homeless.
The 7.8 magnitude quake has killed thousands across Syria and Türkiye, with many more thousands injured and homeless,
and there are fears the death toll may rise to more than 20,000.
World Vision’s Syria Response National Director, Johan Mooij, says the devastating earthquake has left Syria’s children
incredibly vulnerable.
"In Northern Syria, in particular, the threats to children from abuse were already extreme. They have been living in a
war zone and grappling with soaring poverty. Now their lives have been devastated by earthquakes and this has created an
unimaginable number of challenges and suffering for children.
“Hundreds of thousands are now homeless, and some will have been separated from their families, which further increases
their risk of being exploited or facing abuse. Unfortunately, there are people who will prey on vulnerable children and
will exploit them at a time when they most need support and protection.
“As a child-focused organisation, the safety and protection of children is World Vision’s main priority and will be
central in our response to this emergency,” he says.
World Vision is currently undertaking a rapid needs assessment in both Syria and Türkiye and is already distributing
fuel and heat to temporary shelters, so that families have warmth in the sub-zero temperatures.
World Vision New Zealand National Director, Grant Bayldon, says the needs faced by families and children in Northern
Syria were already extreme, but are now unimaginable.
“Families are trying to survive with no homes, no access to food, in sub-zero temperatures whilst also attempting to
deal with the physical and mental impact of this earthquake.
“Getting desperately needed medical care to the injured is difficult. Health facilities were already poorly equipped and
unable to cope in Syria, but many hospitals and clinics have been destroyed,” he says.
Bayldon says World Vision is also calling for swift and unhindered humanitarian access to the most impacted areas in
northwest Syria so that emergency aid and support can reach those most affected.
He says funds are urgently needed to ensure organisations like World Vision can urgently mobilize resources to rapidly
meet the most pressing humanitarian and health needs in the first stages of the response, as well as aiding
reconstruction efforts in the mid to longer term.
Bayldon says New Zealanders can make a difference and help provide emergency aid and long-term support for the children
of Turkiye and Syria.
“We must do everything we can to protect them now and in the future. They, like children everywhere, deserve a childhood
and a chance of life in all its fullness,” he says.
World Vision New Zealand has launched an appeal to provide urgent supplies to children and families in Turkiye and
Syria. To donate go to www.worldvision.org.nz or text RESPOND to 5055.