Geneva October 7, 2016. Amidst the horrors of the war in Syria, the humanitarian organization CARE International wishes to express its respect and admiration for the Syrian Civil Defence, commonly referred to as the White Helmets and one of CARE’s partner organizations. Their recent nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize reflects their outstanding courage in the service of the Syrian people.
“Where others have fled death and destruction, the White Helmets have run in – always and only with the hope of saving lives,” said Richard Hamilton, Director of CARE International’s Regional Syria Response. “Few individuals have dared show such compassion and commitment to humanity in the face of such violence, but the White Helmets’ courage gives us pause for thought. We are proud to partner with this group of brave men and women,” Hamilton said.
The White Helmet’s provide operational support to CARE in early warning, evacuation and contingency planning through their field offices and in cooperation with other CARE partners.
In rural Damascus, they have provided training to 700 women on evacuation and first aid through CARE-supported women’s empowerment centres.
As civilian first responders, the White Helmets have saved over 60,000 people, regardless of religious or political affiliation. Working in more than 100 locations across war-torn Syria, the group composed of almost 3,000 rescue volunteers – many of whom are former teachers, tailors, and bakers – has remained committed to evacuating civilians, opening up roads, and repairing basic infrastructure after airstrikes and shelling. At least 140 volunteers have been killed while trying to save the lives of others.
In southern Syria, CARE partners with the White Helmets branch devoted to public services, distributing winter supplies, hygiene and shelter kits, to vulnerable communities. They also work with CARE supporting communities through sharing water safety plans, helping them better access clean water and collectively manage their water resources.
“It’s a testament to the solidarity and resilience of the Syrian people that amidst such dark times, a flicker of light has emerged through public service exemplified in the White Helmets. But it is not enough to nominate heroic groups such as the White Helmets,” Hamilton warned. “The international community must work to end this bloody war. At the very least, humanitarian actors must not be made targets.”
Last month, a UN aid convoy was attacked by airstrikes on the outskirts of Aleppo, over a dozen aid workers were killed and 18 trucks of aid destroyed. Medical facilities and schools are a regular target, as are warehouses and distribution points. In June 2016, six health facilities were bombed in a matter of two weeks, according to UNICEF.