Two years after the devastating 2023 earthquake that struck Türkiye and northern Syria, forcing thousands of Syrian families to flee their homes, many people are still living in dire conditions of displacement in the now overcrowded collective centers of northeast Syria.

Many of these came from the areas of Aleppo, Shahba, Til Rifaat and Manbij, carrying with them little more than the trauma of loss and the urgent need for basic necessities.

Further worsening the situation came a second wave of displacements, which began in December 2024, when with the fall of the regime, the security situation further deteriorated due to the reignition of internal armed conflict.

With the arrival of summer, the crisis became even more serious: the chronic shortage of basic services was compounded by a growing shortage of clean water, making immediate action necessary. The precarious conditions in the collective centres continued to increase health and hygiene risks, especially for the most vulnerable segments of the population, such as children and the elderly.

In response to this crisis, Un Ponte Per launched 'Ready to Respond', a key emergency intervention implemented together with the Kurdish Red Crescent (KRC), thanks to the support of Fondation de France (FdF) and Fons Català de Cooperació al Desenvolupament (FCCD). Our aim, to protect the health of displaced families by preventing the spread of water-related diseases through better access to hygiene products, providing emergency WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) kits in temporary shelters.

Delivering a Hope Through Hygiene items 

Between 4 August and 14 September 2025, we distributed 4,090 emergency WASH kits to displaced families living in the 100 collective centres spread across Raqqa, Hasakeh, Qamishli and Derek. Each kit contained essential hygiene items tailored to the needs of women, men, children and the elderly, ensuring an inclusive response that respects the dignity of all.

The project was built step by step, starting with a careful identification of needs and the registration of displaced families, in cooperation with the IDP Committees, the Hassakeh Civil Council and the humanitarian coordination authorities. The distribution of the kits took place with great care: each package was delivered directly to the heads of the families, both men and women. In order to ensure that no were left out and to act with maximum transparency, we conducted post-distribution evaluations on the impact of the intervention.

“We evacuated from Manbij after the earthquake in 2023. I lost my brother when the roof collapsed on him. Years later, these kits mean a lot to all of us . Big thank to you." Khaled, displaced from Manbij.

Khaled's story is just one of many that testifies how for families still displaced today, with their burden of grief from the bereavements they have experienced, these kits were not just aid: they represented a message of solidarity, proof that they were not forgotten.

GIVING PEOPLE BACK THE CHANCE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES

In emergency settings, access to clean water and hygiene products can make the difference between health and illness. The risk of spreading disease outbreaks - such as cholera and dysentery - increases exponentially in overcrowded shelters, especially when access to safe water sources and adequate sanitation is limited.

It is not just about reducing the risk of disease, but about restoring a sense of dignity and normality to people who have lost everything.

By prioritising women's needs and ensuring equitable and inclusive access, this intervention has been a community-led and people-centred response, strengthening the capacity of affected populations to recover.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Today, as Syria goes through a delicate phase after years of regime, conflict and natural disasters, Un Ponte Per continues to stand by the most vulnerable communities to support local organisations in responding to emergencies and in the work of reconstruction and recovery. Our work is driven by a belief in solidarity, dignity, and the right of all people to rebuild their lives in safety. 

Gulistan Issa - UPP Campaigner and Project Manager