Assistant Country Director at CARE Türkiye, Thomas Bamforth reflects on how the catastrophic effects of the February earthquakes can spark necessary change in humanitarian aid to regions long affected by compounding crises.
Today, 26 March 2023, the people of Yemen enter the ninth year of conflict since its escalation in 2015. The conflict in Yemen has left nearly no aspects of life in the country untouched, leading to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
The sign on the door says 'The Happy Kindergarten'. Through the window, you can see a five-year-old boy playing with colourful wooden blocks. The boy’s name is Danik, and he was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in Ukraine when he was three years old.
Nazar does not know how to walk or speak yet. He has not entered his new home or even met his siblings yet. The first thing he witnesses after being born is explosions.
Mykola, 19, and his 20-year-old Ford Transit are almost the same age. Mykola removes the rear passenger seats for patients who cannot sit but have to lie down. The car’s windows are covered with a tape that, in addition to visibility, should also protect against flying shrapnel in the event of an explosion.
Night is the most difficult time for Natalia, 35 year old mother. She and her 3 year old daughter Daria often hear gunshots outside of their house. Daria still to this day does not speak and screams in her sleep.
The spring in 2022 turned out to be very cold. Eduard’s deserted hometown is without electricity, water, and gas. Instead of children's laughter, there are rockets flying, and the ground shakes from the explosions.
Only days after escaping from the devastating impacts of the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria, CARE's Ayham Taha helped to set up a humanitarian response to give aid to thousands of people in need. Read his account as both a survivor and humanitarian worker.
Natalia resisted weeks after the conflict escalated before she eventually had to flee Ukraine with her kids and in-laws overnight.
In FY2023, CARE worked around the world, contributing to saving lives, fighting poverty, and increasing social justice.
