The Syria INGO Regional Forum, comprising 73 INGOs responding to the Syria crisis, expressed deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation since Turkey’s military operation started on the 9 October. The UN estimates that more than 200,000 people have been displaced, and is planning to support up to 400,000 people with assistance and protection in the coming period. 

Gregory Le Blanc, Director of HI Colombia, tells us about the situation facing Venezuelan refugees in Colombia and describes HI's emergency response.

On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on the 13th of October, HI experts explain how we aim to include everyone in resilience-building initiatives. 

After nearly a decade of nation-wide conflict, the Turkish incursion into northeast Syria reignites the cycle of violence, worry and uncertainty for people living in the area. HI is deeply concerned about how the military escalation will affect the civilian population. HI calls on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, especially people in populated areas that are being attacked with airstrikes and artillery.

Suad Al-Qadri works as a psychosocial support counsellor for HI in Sana'a, Yemen. Below, she talks about the mental condition of the patients assisted by HI and the impact of bombing on the psychological health of the city's inhabitants. 

Vienna, October 2nd, 2019. A great number of 133 states gathered for two days at the Vienna Conference “Protecting Civilians in Urban Warfare”. A majority of attendants announced that they were ready to work on a political declaration to end human suffering caused by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The discussions that will take place in the 6 months to come will be decisive to protect millions of civilians living in war zones.  

The Vienna Conference is due to take place on October 1st and 2nd. HI Disarmament and protection of civilians Advocacy Manager Alma Taslidžan Al-Osta explains the final preparations:

Since last January, HI and its partner Mobility Robotics have been trialing the use of drones to support weapons clearance experts in Faya-Largeau, northern Chad.

HI has been providing rehabilitation care and psychosocial support in eight health facilities in Sana'a since 2015 and in one of Aden's main hospitals since last July. Maud Bellon, HI’s head of mission, tells us about the unacceptable situation now facing civilians.  

Released last August, the 2019 Cluster Munition Monitor report reveals that attacks involving cluster munitions continued to occur in Syria in 2018. The Monitor has recorded at least 674 cluster munition attacks in Syria since mid-2012. These attacks have caused heavy contamination by cluster munition remnants, which pose a deadly and long-term threat for the local population. Globally, at least 149 people were killed or injured by cluster munition attacks and remnants in a total of eight countries and one territory. 

Abdel Kareem, 5, has cerebral palsy. Thanks to Humanity and Inclusion's partnership with the Mousawat rehabilitation centre in Lebanon, a mental health project was integrated into the rehabilitation process. 

Ahed is diabetic. He lost his leg after suffering complications. He is now rebuilding his life thanks to rehabilitation sessions and group therapy at the Zarqa centre in Jordan.

In Faya-Largeau (North Chad), HI has begun testing drones to detect mines and build up a detailed picture of what’s on the ground - a revolution in mine clearance practice. HI’s project manager Xavier Depreytere explains more.