Emergency Response
We have an Emergency Preparedness and Response Mechanism in place and guaranteed stock of emergency supplies in Turkey and northwest Syria, which ensures that in the face of emergencies that we are able to facilitate rapid and effective responses. We understand the critical importance of being proactive and well-prepared in the face of unforeseen challenges. Our Emergency Preparedness and Response Mechanism reflects our commitment to the life-saving duty we uphold.
Emergency assistance includes food, emergency shelter kits, bedding kits, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, latrine and water tank installation, and psychological first aid.
Emergency Food
In the face of displacement, SARD provides cooked meals and food baskets to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in open fields, reception centers, and camps. During the wave of massive displacement in 2019, we delivered food assistance to 178,373 IDPs (33,255 displaced households).
Emergency Shelter
SARD installs emergency shelters in transit sites and open feilds for newly displaced people. SARD provides emergency repairs to ensure shelter environments are safe and accessible.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
For families fleeing violence and disasters, SARD provides emergency hygiene kits, access to water supplies, and installs emergency sanitation and latrines. This not only meets immediate needs, but enhances privacy and reduces protection risks. In 2020, SARD updated its hygiene kits package to include additional soap and hand sanitizer in response to Covid-19.
Non-Food Items
SARD’s emergency NFI assistance is tailored to each household and may entail bedding units, kitchen sets, clothes, and more. In 2019, we distributed NFI to 53,800 internally displaced persons.
Protection
SARD provides case management to children who are a protection risk and Psychological First Aid to those fleeing conflict and disasters. In 2021, SARD opened an emergency shelter, the first of its kind, for unaccompanied and separated children.
Social media campaign to increase awareness of Covid-19 prevention measures.
Northwest Syria was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 along with the rest of the world, further hindering humanitarian efforts in the region. In addition to the ‘usual’ access and security challenges, we also faced health and safety risks not only for ourselves but also for the communities we serve.
Despite these difficulties, SARD’s team was able to swiftly adapt and respond. In 2020 alone, our team provided face masks and e-vouchers for hygiene items to over 20,000 people and supported the Personal Protective Equipment needs in eight health facilities. In addition, SARD conducted awareness campaigns through social media reaching more than 1,500,000 people with messages focused on hand-washing, vaccination, and prevention measures.