Damascus Village Re-Opening
Damascus, Syria, October 21st, 2016 – Rani Rahmo, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Syria, as provided the following update on the return of families to the Damascus Village:
“SOS Children’s Villages has conducted a thorough security assessment at its Village in Damascus, which was evacuated on 27 September amid intensified bombardment in the area. Based on this assessment, it was determined that it is safe for the 156 children and young people, along with nearly 50 employees, to return to their homes as of today.
“The care, protection and safety of the children and young people are our utmost priorities. We are taking this opportunity to let our families return to their own homes to improve their comfort and to restore a sense of normalcy. We are also making available social and emotional care to help the children and young people during these difficult times.
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| Children and mothers benefiting from SOS relief items and child friendly spaces in the vicinity of Aleppo. Photo credit: Abeer Pamuk |
“SOS Children’s Villages will continue to closely monitor the security and safety of the Damascus Village, as well as our other homes and centres in Syria. We call on all conflict parties in Syria to protect children from harm and to respect their rights to education, medical care, a safe place to live, and sufficient food and water.”
Background
The 156 children and young people, along with nearly 50 employees, were safely evacuated from the Damascus Village to other locations on 27 September because of shelling in the area. At least four shells fell on the SOS compound, causing no injuries and little damage. The Damascus Village has provided a home to vulnerable children for more than 30 years.
SOS Children’s Villages continues to support thousands of children and families affected by the conflict in Syria, through our emergency programming. If you’d like to help refugees affected by the Syria crisis and other emergencies around the world, please donate here.