The UN and UAE's Joint Emergency Humanitarian Response for Earthquake Relief in Türkiye and Syria
In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6 of this year, the United Nations (UN) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined forces to mount a comprehensive and strategic response aimed at providing vital emergency relief to those affected.
With a magnitude of 7.8, the earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria more than 6 months ago have claimed thousands of lives and caused untold destruction to homes and infrastructure across the region. Considered to be one of the devastating disasters in the region in recent times, over 9 million people in Türkiye and at least 8.8 million people in Syria have been directly impacted. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and injured. Thousands of buildings including schools and hospitals have collapsed.
Caption: A local resident, whose loved ones are still under the rubble, stand in front of the collapsed buildings in Hatay on February 15, 2023.
Within hours of the devastating crisis, the UN immediately issued a global appeal for aid and mobilized its resources to provide urgent assistance, evaluate the risks, and rally efforts to ensure that no one is left behind. The UN's role as a catalyst for international collaboration in times of crisis is yet again monumental at such dire times. Among the key partners and first responders was the UN Country team for the UAE, reflecting the UAE’s ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian aid and supporting communities affected by disasters around the world. From the world’s largest humanitarian hub in Dubai, the International Humanitarian City (IHC) hosts multiple warehouses and storage facilities for UN agencies. Due to its favorable geographic proximity, the IHC has been a key location in supporting rapid response to crises across the globe and facilitating humanitarian air bridges.
Airlifts were dispatched carrying health kits, medical equipment, emergency relief items and essential survival kits such as: food, shelter, family tents, blankets, water and sanitation and health supplies from multiple UN agencies including: The World Health Organization (WHO), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), World Food Programme (WFP), and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) amongst others.
“The importance of our Dubai-based facilities in the response to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria cannot be overstated. The geographic location and its proximity to the impacted region, and access to well-connected transport routes enabled us to be agile and move faster to reach those in need.” Etleva Kadilli, Director of UNICEF’s global supply and logistics operations.
Caption: From its warehouses hosted by the International Humanitarian City. UNICEF dispatched urgent supplies in response to the needs of thousands of families and children impacted by the earthquake that struck the Syria-Türkiye border on 6th February 2023. Emergency relief supplies included WASH and dignity kits, high-performance tents, blankets, water purification tablets, plastic sheets, sleeping mats and other items.
UNICEF’s initial focus was for people to access safe drinking water and sanitation services. Pre-positioned supplies were immediately mobilized in-country and from UNICEF’s Global Supply Hubs. In Dubai, warehouse staff worked around the clock to ensure supplies were packed as quickly as possible and loaded onto trucks bound for the airport. Within just 18 days of the earthquakes, UNICEF managed to deliver 258 metric tons of vital supplies from Dubai to both Syria and Türkiye.
Speed is of the essence when a disaster hits.
Similarly, WHO’s Dubai Logistics Hub activated the emergency response on 6 February by mobilizing Trauma and Emergency Surgery supplies as well as essential medicines and equipment for immediate dispatch. WHO has other hubs around the world, but its facility in Dubai, with more than 20 warehouses, is its largest by far.
"The UAE's role in our efforts is crucial... The UAE plays a vital role in WHO's work around the world, with flights, medical supplies, and surgical trauma kits for emergency preparedness, response, and resilience," stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
Caption: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO at the Dubai International Humanitarian City with members of WHO and the IHC, during the emergency response to mobilize Trauma and Emergency Surgery supplies, essential medicines and equipment for immediate dispatch to aid earthquake-stricken Turkiye and Syria.
The UAE has been a key supporter of WHO’s efforts in providing aid, relief material and medical supplies in the wake of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Within the very first month of the crisis, over 7 charter flights carrying 230 metric tons of health supplies, and 1.9 million USD worth of health supplies reached more than 1.5 million people, facilitated by WHO in collaboration with the IHC from Dubai.
Caption: A first cargo plane bound for Turkiye departed from Al Maktoum International Airport (February 7, 2023), transporting 37 tons of medical kits from WHO.
Among those affected inside Syria are families that were already displaced from their homes by the country’s long-running crisis, living in tents, flimsy shelters and partially destroyed buildings. To this day, millions of survivors are enduring terrible trauma and need emergency assistance, including psychosocial support.
Mazen, a father of four who was previously displaced from his home in the Salahadin neighborhood of Aleppo for several years during Syria’s long-running crisis, said he thought he and his family were going to die when the earthquake struck in the early hours of Monday.
Caption: A UNHCR staff member speaks to a boy and his family staying at the mosque in Aleppo's Suleiman Al Halabi neighbourhood.
Through its field presence, UNHCR was able to timely respond with life-saving assistance to people affected by the earthquake. From its Global Stockpile in Dubai, and with the generous support of the UAE government, UNHCR shipped three airlifts with core relief items to both countries. The airlifts carried more than 130 tons of critical aid including high-thermal blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, plastic sheeting, jerry cans and sleeping mats for nearly 24,300 beneficiaries.
When the earthquake struck, dozens of families, like Mazen, were left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, having left everything behind as they fled their homes. They were eventually able to endure the harsh cold winter season with UNHCR’s timely relief items.
“We can only think about this minute now,” Mazen added. “Tomorrow, we don’t know what is going to happen, but for now, Alhamdulillah [praise God], we are safe.”
Mobilizing Expertise
WFP’s UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) based in the UAE, also played a crucial role in dispatching 35 shipments carrying essential food, relief items, and support equipment with IHC’s in-kind contributions such as air transport to facilitate WFP’s operations. Additionally, WFP deployed staff to establish the Emergency Telecommunications Sector (ETS) in Türkiye, reinforcing WFP's capacity to support the government-led response. Charging stations were set up in temporary settlements, allowing the affected population to power their mobile devices and stay connected.
Caption: WFP managed consignments delivering emergency food, relief items and support equipment from its UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) based out of the International Humanitarian City in Dubai (IHC).
In addition to the emergency response, UN agencies launched global appeals and donation campaigns, bringing their expertise to facilitate contributions to the most vulnerable and for the most urgent of needs. The UAE also mobilized the community through the "Bridges of Goodness" campaign, a nationwide community volunteering initiative, to bring the UAE together for quake-affected families. Thousands of volunteers helped assemble relief kits for UAE humanitarian organizations including Dubai Cares, Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) Authority among others.
Coordination and Collaboration
The UAE has been one of the countries at the forefront of the international aid response, providing immense support both financial and humanitarian. Drawing on the expertise and resources of various UN entities, this collaborative effort exemplifies the power of international cooperation and highlights the unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid.
“It is noteworthy to recognize the crucial role of the United Nations in the UAE, which enables the rapid mobilization of international relief efforts, thanks to the country's support.” Dena Assaf, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE
Caption: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO and Dena Assaf, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE with WHO's Health Emergencies team at Dubai International Humanitarian City (February 10, 2023).
Effective coordination and collaboration between UN entities in the UAE is vital to ensure a comprehensive and efficient response during times of crisis. The Resident Coordinator system plays a crucial role in facilitating this, promoting seamless cooperation, resource sharing, and strategic planning, ultimately maximizing the impact of humanitarian efforts across the world.
No matter who, no matter where and no matter what…
In times of crisis, the United Nations plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian relief efforts that save lives, alleviate suffering, and pave the way for recovery. While the earthquake has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with many homes destroyed, and lives lost, it serves as a reminder that humanity always prevails.
UN entities involved in this initiative
OCHA
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
