Emirates Red Crescent launches new phase of developmental projects for communities impacted by Syrian earthquake

The Emirates Red Crescent Authority has initiated a new phase for development projects for those affected by the earthquake in Latakia, Syria. These projects aim to empower affected families and enhance their capabilities as part of ongoing efforts to recover from the humanitarian repercussions of the earthquake that struck Syria in February of last year.

A delegation from the Emirates Red Crescent, led by His Excellency Hamoud Abdullah Al-Junaibi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Local Affairs Sector, in the presence of His Excellency Hassan Ahmed Al-Shehhi, UAE Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic, Amer Ismail Hilal, Governor of Latakia, and a number of Syrian officials, inaugurated the projects. These initiatives included an irrigation project for agricultural lands in the village of Al-Mushairfa, affiliated with the municipality of Wadi al-Qalaa in the Jableh countryside. The project irrigates 660 dunums of agricultural land, provides sustainable water supply to more than 3,500 people working in agriculture, and includes the creation of solar-powered water tanks. Additionally, another project focuses on raising livestock.

Furthermore, the Emirates Red Crescent Authority and the Syrian Development Trust signed a cooperation agreement, covering a number of humanitarian, relief and development fields.

H.E. Al-Junaibi affirmed that these projects build on the initiatives implemented so far for the benefit of those impacted by the earthquake, covering vital fields such as health, education, housing and other essential services. The projects also reflect the UAE’s steadfast humanitarian commitment to the brotherly people of Syria, and aim to achieve their aspirations for better living conditions, enabling them to overcome challenges resulting from the earthquake, and recover from its humanitarian repercussions.

His Excellency said: “The projects represent a new phase and a qualitative shift in our endeavors for the brotherly people of Syria, embodying the Authority’s vision of sustainability and empowering affected families by providing them with means of production. This initiative aims to compensate them for what they lost during the disaster, assist them in meeting their essential needs, achieve self-reliance, and prepare for the future through production and work.”

He also emphasized that the Emirates Red Crescent Authority continues to enhance its efforts to benefit those impacted, in line with its solidarity and responsibility towards affected individuals in Latakia, the governorate most affected by the earthquake disaster. The next phase will see the implementation of many initiatives in this regard.

H.E. Al-Junaibi also commended the cooperation and coordination between the Emirates Red Crescent and Syrian authorities, led by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Latakia Governorate, and the Syrian Secretariat for Development.