As the situation on the ground moves into in a new phase, from
rescue to recovery, the UK is committing a further package of
support to address urgent humanitarian needs in Turkey and Syria.
The £25 million in new overseas aid will fund additional
emergency relief, such as tents and blankets for families made
homeless in freezing conditions, and the ongoing deployment of
world-class UK medical expertise through the joint MoD-FCDO Field
Hospital established in Turkoglu.
It will support the work of the UN and aid agencies on the ground
in Syria, helping communities ravaged by war and this national
disaster, as well as the recovery effort in Turkey led by the
government. There will be a particular focus on protecting women
and girls, including by helping with childbirth and midwifery and
reducing the risk of gender-based violence for communities who
have been displaced.
This builds on the UK’s early response to the earthquake when we
deployed a UK International Search and Rescue Team in Turkey,
increased support to the White Helmets in north west Syria and
rapidly delivered shipments of life-saving items such as
emergency shelter, medical equipment and blankets.
The joint MoD-FCDO Field Hospital, which includes an emergency
department, 24/7 operating theatre and accompanying medical
staff, is providing lifesaving medical care working side-by-side
with Turkish medics.
UK funding is helping the UN, International and NGO partners to
ensure that aid reaches the millions in need, including 4.9
million who need cross-border aid in north west Syria following
the devastating earthquakes.
UK Minister for Development said:
“As this evolving situation transitions from rescue to
recovery, we are seeing thousands of families left homeless by
the earthquake, packed into crowded tents or lined up in the
streets queuing for hot meals.
“The UK’s priority is to ensure that humanitarian assistance
reaches people who need it most and that is why I am pleased to
announce this additional funding today, which will be so vital in
ensuring those affected can begin to rebuild their
lives.”
