Sanctions continue amid crisis in Syria


By Tshegofatso Makola

As the death toll in Turkey and Syria continues to rise, so does the inequality regarding access to foreign aid. Following the catastrophic earthquake that hit the region yesterday, incidents of great inequality have presented themselves, with the distribution of foreign aid seeing the prioritisation of Turkey.

Over 11 000 lives have been recorded to have been lost within the Syrian and Turkish region so far. This following the fatal 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the region two days ago.

The earthquake was the first of its kind in over a century and saw tremors shortly afterward leaving many dead and injured, as well as thousands of others missing and trapped underneath the rubble. 

Rescue missions have been hampered by cold weather conditions and an excess amount of rubble and waste from collapsed infrastructure. Despite this, humanitarian organisations and search teams have not given up on the search, with time ticking for victims that are still stuck under rubble, as expressed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Following the investigation The Joburg Post (JP) conducted yesterday, we set out to inquire on further updates about relief efforts and humanitarian aid. 

Upon contacting the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), once again today, it was apparent that the department saw the communication of humanitarian efforts and aid towards Syria as matter that was not of urgency.

This was substantiated with Syrian embassy confirming once again that they have received no communication from the South African government of aid or humanitarian efforts being sent to Syria. This despite claims by the Turkish embassy yesterday, of communication being sent out to them by the South African government.

With Syria having experienced civil war dating back to 2011, sanctions posed by countries such as the United States have seen many others follow suit and not pledge aid during the crisis the country finds itself in.

What does this mean for the Syrian people? 

The answer is simple, the ostracising of  Syria by such countries means less aid for a country that was already aid deprived prior to the earthquake. Less aid, means a higher likelihood of an even bigger crisis emerging for households in Syria, as many will struggle even more to provide for themselves and rebuild.

Whilst the battle of ethics is far from over, ordinary civilians and humanitarian organisations have not used this as a deterrence from assisting the country in need. South African based organisation, 'Gift of the Givers' is among those making a difference in the Turkey- Syria region affected.

With the death toll expected to get much worse in the region, the task of rebuilding, ought to be a difficult one and both countries will need as much help as possible.

To help in humanitarian efforts for those living in Syria affected by the earthquake, you can donate to the following account:

  • Name: Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic
  • Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
  • Account number: 62436359683
  • Branch code: 250655
  • Reference: Donate/Name

Article Tags

Syria

Turkey

Earthquake

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