The World Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, and leaders of churches in Syria are calling for the immediate lifting of sanctions against Syria so that disaster relief and emergency supplies can be provided in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
To be able to help effectively, the churches are calling for the rapid lifting of economic sanctions. Photo: @syriaCivilDef/csi
Following the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey, the general secretary of the Beirut-based Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Michael Abs, is calling for the immediate lifting of European Union sanctions against Syria.
The Greek Orthodox economist and sociologist said, “For years, the sanctions have been hitting the population hard rather than the ruling groups. Owing to the sanctions, earthquake aid is not getting through to Syria because we cannot transfer funds to the country. The people are suffering from poverty, hunger and disease. It’s inhumane that we can’t help them.”
Churches open their doors to earthquake victims
Churches in Syria immediately provided aid to the victims of the earthquake by turning church buildings into emergency shelters and distributing warm drinks. Now they are coordinating their relief efforts, using their networks to do so.
But as a result of the sanctions, their resources are limited. That is why the churches, and the World Council of Churches, are calling for the immediate lifting of sanctions against Syria and access to all necessary materials, so that – writes Michael Abs of MECC – “the sanctions do not become a crime against humanity”.
Syrian churches stand together
In an open letter, churches in Syria are also calling for the lifting of economic sanctions. “The natural disaster is exacerbating the suffering of the Syrian people, who are still suffering the consequences of the war, inflation, epidemic and harsh sanctions,” the letter from Syrian church leaders reads.
What is needed now, they say, is to deliver much-needed relief supplies and provide humanitarian assistance. This should be done “regardless of any political considerations.”
In an interview with Suboro TV, Mor Boutros Kassis, the Syrian Orthodox archbishop of Aleppo and its environs, spoke of the “most difficult day since the war in Aleppo”.
After the quake at 4.20 am, the community immediately ensured the safety of residents of the old people’s home and the dormitory. Then they met in the church, consoled each other, prayed and made an emergency plan.
Mor Boutros Kassis describes the situation in Aleppo as “extremely dramatic”: “Buildings have collapsed, people are homeless, it’s raining and very cold.”
CSI is focussing its help on Syria, but is also helping in Turkey.
It is in close contact with the church network in Aleppo to support its outreach to victims of the earthquake.
An international petition for the lifting of sanctions has been launched. At the same time, CSI is also providing assistance in the earthquake zone in Turkey.
Rolf Höneisen
