Update on our partners in Syria after the earthquake
On Monday 6 February a devastating earthquake, followed by several aftershocks, struck the Turkish city of Marash near the Turkey-Syria border, the epicentre. It caused a large-scale natural disaster and enormous damage, affecting thousands of people in both Turkey and Syria. Many lives were lost.
Like so many, our Syrian partners have been badly affected by the earthquake. We have been in touch with them day and night to stay updated on their well being.
Fortunately, all our Syrian partners are alive, but almost all of them have lost family members, colleagues and friends. They expressed that even the war didn't hit them as hard. However, despite their own personal losses, these independent journalists want to continue their work to provide reliable information to their audiences, wherever they are in Syria and outside Syria. Because factual, and timely information can be life-saving. Now more than ever.
The current circumstances make this very challenging. Some offices have been partially or completely destroyed. Most of our partners don't have access to equipment and often work from their car or a hotel if possible. Entire families have had to move, and life in the affected areas is extremely difficult.
Our response
Free Press Unlimited is doing everything we can to support our partners. We have been making an inventory of where our partners are staying, and what they need in order to stay safe, and continue their work under these difficult circumstances.
For example, partners need assistance in finding new editing and broadcast locations, equipment and secure connections. They need emergency support like temporary accommodation, food and blankets, and other basics to help them survive. But there is also a serious need for psycho-social support.
Our partners need all the help they can get, we work around the clock to provide them with emergency support. You can support us and our partners here.
