Latest news with #SyrianFamilies
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Syrian Girl, 8, Walks Overnight to Escape Shelling, Save the Children Protects Childhoods Amid War as Aid Becomes a Race Against Time
Photos: HONG KONG, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With shells drawing near and only minutes to escape, what would you save? "I was forced to leave everything behind – my toys, my clothes, all the things I loved," said 8-year-old Syrian girl Amal. In the harsh winter of 2024, she and her family walked for two days to flee the conflict, carrying nothing but the thin clothes on their backs. Food, water, shelter, and even a sense of security were all unwillingly left behind. A Tent for a Home: A Childhood Rewritten by War In 2018, war first forced Amal from her home, relocating her to a camp in Northeast Syria. In December 2024, as the conflict escalated once more, she and her family were forced to flee overnight. "The road was filled with the sounds of explosions and roaring planes. I saw some children freeze to death in the wilderness... We could only desperately push forward," recalled Amal's father, Hasan. Describing the two-day trek in the bitter cold, he said, "The children suffered immensely. They kept crying, begging to go home, but there was nothing we could do. We abandoned all our possessions just to save our lives. "Still shaken, Hasan remembered, "We adults were terrified too, but for the sake of our children, we had to stay strong." Since December 2024, the escalating conflict in Syria has displaced over 15,000 families. This is the third time Amal has been displaced in her short eight years; her "home" has shrunk to a tent that could vanish at any moment. What Amal left behind was more than just a house—it was her childhood. She misses the home with apple and orange trees, and the friends she played hide-and-seek with every day. Now, all of that is out of reach. Despite this, Amal holds on to a dream, "One day, I want to become a doctor and help children when they are sick." The war has stolen what should have been a carefree childhood—no school, no peaceful nights, not even a predictable tomorrow. What Would You Save?— Save the Children Supports Children's Survival Needs When Amal's family arrived at the new camp, exhausted, the Save the Children team immediately provided them with Ready-to-Eat kits, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses to fend off the cold winter nights, addressing their most urgent needs as an initial response. However, life in the tent remains a struggle. "When it rains, the tent leaks, and we can't sleep. When it's windy, we're cold, scared, and shivering." Amal shared. Since 2012, Save the Children has provided aid to 8.3 million people in Syria, including 4.8 million children like Amal, offering food, clean water, emotional and psychosocial support, shelter, healthcare, and education services. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated, "Whenever a conflict or disaster strikes, children are always the first to bear the brunt. They lose not just their belongings, but also their health, safety, education, a secure environment to grow up in, and a precious, fulfilling childhood. The Children's Emergency Fund was established to ensure that children in crisis receive the support they need to survive—from basic food and warmth to medical care, from a safe place to live to physical and psychological support. We appeal to the public to extend a helping hand and support children in distress." In 2024, Save the Children's humanitarian work has helped over 20 million people worldwide, including 12.8 million children. The organisation has also provided support in humanitarian crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, the escalation of conflict in Lebanon, and the earthquake in Myanmar. Please support Save the Children's emergency relief work: About Save the Children Hong Kong Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world's first and leading independent children's organisation – transforming lives and the future we share. Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world. Visit our website, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Save the Children Hong Kong
LBCI
11-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
LBCI sources: Families of Syrian detainees plan protests at Lebanon-Syria border crossings
Families of Syrian detainees held in Lebanon's Roumieh Prison are planning protest movements starting from the Tadamon neighborhood in Damascus toward the Jdeidet Yabous–Masnaa crossing, aiming to block traffic coming from Lebanon, sources told LBCI. In addition to the protest at Jdeidet Yabous, a sit-in is planned at the Jousieh border crossing, with calls circulating for similar action at the Arida crossing as well.
Arab News
02-06-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Syria reopens Lebanon border crossing for Eid Al-Adha travel
BEIRUT: Syrian authorities announced the reopening of Al-Arida border crossing with Lebanon, which closed in December 2024 due to an Israeli raid during the war with Hezbollah. Syria's Land and Sea Ports General Authority said in a statement that the border crossing located in Rif Tartus was reopening. It informed travelers that Al-Arida border crossing would be manned on Tuesday morning, despite ongoing restoration and maintenance work, to facilitate movement during Eid Al-Adha. The crossing is located on Lebanon's northern border and connects the ports of Tripoli and Tartus. Israeli warplanes struck the crossing on Nov. 27, 2024. Ten days after the Syrian authorities removed the rubble and rehabilitated the crossing, it was struck again by Israel, leading to its permanent closure. Dozens of Syrian families who had fled to Lebanon are now returning to their villages in Syria, while legal crossings are witnessing active overland tourism between Syria and Lebanon. The two countries share five legal border crossings, including the Masnaa crossing, which is the closest to Damascus, and the Jdeidet Yabous crossing located in the Rif Dimashq Governorate. Additionally, there is the Aboudieh crossing, which consists of a 45 km bridge passing through the Syrian village of Dabousieh, and the Jousieh crossing, situated in the Qusayr area of Rif Homs, which serves as the gateway from northern Bekaa to Homs and is located 40 km from the city. The Talkalakh crossing in the Wadi Khaled area of northern Lebanon connects to Syrian territory in western Rif Homs, alongside Al-Arida crossing. It was primarily designated for transporting goods and trucks carrying phosphate and sand from Syria to Lebanon, and other goods in the other direction. Despite the measures that Syrian and Lebanese authorities have started to implement to regulate border crossings and close many illegal routes in the mountainous border regions, smuggling activities have resumed on both sides. Recently, the Syndicate of Pharmaceutical Importers in Lebanon raised concerns, urging action to combat the issue of illegal, smuggled, and counterfeit medicines flooding the Lebanese market. The Lebanese judiciary is continuing its investigations into the smuggling of medications from Egypt and Turkiye into Lebanon. So far, they have detained several Lebanese and Syrian nationals suspected of being involved in these operations. The investigations have focused on around 50 pharmacists and 60 pharmaceutical traders in Lebanon. The Parliamentary Health Committee held a meeting dedicated to the issue of smuggled and counterfeit medicines. Lebanon previously lifted subsidies on medicines — except for those designated for patients with chronic illnesses — during the economic crisis that struck the country in 2019. Public Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine, Justice Minister Adel Nassar, and representatives from the Interior and Defense Ministries participated in the meeting, along with the heads of relevant security agencies. MP Bilal Abdallah told Arab News the committee thoroughly discussed methods to regulate the pharmaceutical market in Lebanon and safeguard citizens from medication smuggling operations. 'The danger arises from smuggled medicines, which may be expired, improperly stored, or non-compliant with safety standards. 'This poses a serious threat to patients, particularly since smuggling often targets costly medications intended for cancer patients and individuals with chronic illnesses. 'The Ministry of Health has documented dozens of cases where citizens' health deteriorated after consuming such medicines.' Abdallah, who is both a legislator and a practicing physician, stated that the parliamentary committee had instructed customs and security forces to enhance inspection protocols. He highlighted the positive influences of Syria's political transition, stating that 'Syrian authorities are now more effectively monitoring the situation and preventing smuggling through unauthorized border points.' The Lebanese Pharmaceutical Importers Association, participating in parliamentary hearings, confirmed that all medications registered with the Health Ministry and distributed by international manufacturers are continuously available in Lebanese markets. However, the association emphasized an important distinction regarding smuggled substances, clarifying that 'products entering Lebanon through illegal channels cannot be regarded as legitimate pharmaceuticals, as authentic medications require verified component analysis and official documentation submitted to authorized regulatory bodies.'
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Cyprus to pay Syrian asylum seekers to return home
Cyprus is to launch a repatriation scheme for Syrian families who revoke their asylum claims, allowing one adult member to stay on the island and work, a minister said on Thursday. Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides said the financial incentives, beginning next month, would be for a voluntary return to Syria for families seeking asylum or those with international protection. He told reporters the scheme was being launched in coordination with the European Union. EU member Cyprus is one of the largest receivers of Syrian migrants per capita. Ioannides noted that Syria was "undergoing a critical transitional period" after Bashar Al Assad's ouster in December. "The success of the reconstruction depends on political will, international cooperation, and, most importantly, the active involvement of the Syrian people themselves," he said. Officials in Cyprus say 2,500 Syrians have withdrawn asylum applications or renounced their protection status, and around 2,400 have returned home. The repatriation scheme allows one person per family or couple to receive a special residence and work permit valid for two years. Returning family members will receive 2,000 euros ($2,270) for the spouse and 1,000 euros per child. The scheme will operate from June 2 to August 31. Cyprus granted asylum to thousands of Syrians who fled the civil war there that began in 2011. The eastern Mediterranean island is less than 200 kilometres from the Syrian and Lebanese coasts, and has long been a route for refugees seeking a better life in Europe.
Al Arabiya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Cyprus to pay Syrian asylum seekers to return home
Cyprus is to launch a repatriation scheme for Syrian families who revoke their asylum claims, allowing one adult member to stay on the island and work, a minister said Thursday. Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides said the financial incentives, beginning next month, would be for a voluntary return to Syria for families seeking asylum or those with international protection. He told reporters the scheme was being launched in coordination with the European Union. EU member Cyprus is one of the largest receivers of Syrian migrants per capita. Ioannides noted that Syria was 'undergoing a critical transitional period' after Bashar al-Assad's ouster in December. 'The success of the reconstruction depends on political will, international cooperation, and, most importantly, the active involvement of the Syrian people themselves,' he said. Officials in Cyprus say 2,500 Syrians have withdrawn asylum applications or renounced their protection status, and around 2,400 have returned home. The repatriation scheme allows one person per family or couple to receive a special residence and work permit valid for two years. Returning family members will receive 2,000 euros ($2,270) for the spouse and 1,000 euros per child. The scheme will operate from June 2 to August 31. Cyprus granted asylum to thousands of Syrians who fled the civil war there that began in 2011. The eastern Mediterranean island is less than 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the Syrian and Lebanese coasts, and has long been a route for refugees seeking a better life in Europe.
