Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
February 6, 2024
Today marks the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck northern Syria and southern Turkey, leaving behind significant human losses and massive destruction. Its effects still linger in northern Syria due to the inadequate international humanitarian response to this major disaster, leaving the Syrian people grappling with challenges far surpassing their resources.
The earthquake compounded the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in northern Syria, resulting from the Assad regime’s relentless war on the Syrian people. Regrettably, due to the lack of robust international engagement, the repercussions of the disaster persist, demanding sustained attention and intervention to ameliorate the deteriorating conditions faced by survivors.
On this occasion, the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) calls upon international and humanitarian organizations to extend assistance to Syrian civilians in two critical aspects. Firstly, addressing the needs of those affected by the February earthquake, ensuring their essential requirements are met, notably in terms of secure shelter and housing. Secondly, aiding displaced families in northern Syria, particularly amidst a surge in extreme poverty following the reduction of international support programs for vulnerable households.
The SOC underscores that the pathway out of the successive humanitarian crises affecting the Syrian people lies in addressing the root cause through genuine and concerted support for political transition and the full and stringent implementation of UN Resolution 2254. This entails fostering a free, democratic, and pluralistic Syria, ensuring a sustainable solution to the protracted suffering endured by the Syrian populace.
