To tackle the serious humanitarian crisis caused by the ISIS siege of the Syrian town of Kobane, Italian Cooperation has earmarked 300,000 euros for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help the Kurds fleeing towards the Turkish-Syrian border. “The situation in Kobane is dramatic and the population needs urgent protection”, said Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini. “Italy, along with the international community, is engaged in the effort to defeat ISIS and help thousands of people living in a dramatic situation. This is a political and human duty on which I believe everyone should be in agreement”, she added.
The Syrian Red Crescent Society is distributing water, food, medicines and essential supplies to the besieged population in Syrian territory and is helping transfer the wounded from the city to the Turkish border. The Society’s Turkish counterpart is providing medical treatment and initial assistance for the refugees crossing the border.
Italy’s new contribution is in line with our country’s on-going humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis, with 38 million euros allocated in 2014 alone.
