In Defense of Christians calls on US to expand Syria earthquake relief to aid Christian communities on brink of eradication

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria in the early hours on 6 February, leaving wide-spread devastation and killing thousands. The official death toll has now climbed over 15,000, with 12,000 deaths in Turkey alone. Many people are still missing, likely trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts are still underway while those left homeless are angry about the slow arrival of rescue teams.

Many countries have sent material aid and rescue teams to the affected areas, especially in Turkey. In neighboring Syria, the situation is different and much more complicated. The country was already devastated by a decade-long civil war. There are shortages of everything. The arrival of material aid and rescue workers is complicated by conflicting interests of domestic actors and international sanctions complicate.

Also read: The cynical power play for aid after the earthquake

Because of the division in the country, “nationally coordinated action is made impossible,” writes WELT journalist Alfred Hackensberger. “International aid deliveries and relief efforts are difficult and recovery teams coming in from other countries almost unthinkable.”

The Washington-based human rights and advocacy organization for Christians in the Middle East In Defense of Christians (IDC) said in a press statement on Wednesday that the catastrophic series of earthquakes dramatically exacerbates the human tragedy left in the wake of the twelve-year Syrian Civil War. IDC made an appeal to the United States government to put aside political conflicts at the moment and consider all available means to contribute to rescue efforts and provide humanitarian assistance.

“This disaster has devastated civilians — not governments. In the face of a human tragedy of this magnitude, the international community should not condition humanitarian support on a political litmus test. According to the U.S. State Department, ‘U.S. and international sanctions include exemptions for humanitarian aid.'”

IDC points to the many capable and experienced NGOs, civil society organizations, churches and other faith-based organizations on the ground in Syria and Turkey who are ready to assist in the time-critical rescue effort and provide relief.

IDC Executive Director Richard Ghazal drew attention to the urgent needs of Christians in southern Turkey and northern Syria, which are home to some of the world’s most ancient Christian communities. “At a juncture in history when these Christian communities are on the brink of eradication due to longstanding social, political, and extremist threats, a natural disaster of this magnitude must be responded to with the utmost urgency and human compassion.”

@indefchristians calls on @POTUS to expand #humanitarian #aid for #earthquake relief in #turkey and #syria

Read full press release here: https://t.co/tzYc7kRJcR pic.twitter.com/iBEPFmi6jQ

— In Defense of Christians (IDC) (@indefchristians) February 8, 2023