Monday, April 6, 2015

Open your arms to Syria's refugees: Help now

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Open your arms to 
Syria's refugees
 
Get Involved


A displaced Syrian child in Lebanon (Spencer Platt/Getty Images).
Only 80,000 resettlement spots globally have been offered for more than 4 million Syrian refugees.

You can help families fleeing conflict around the world regain their safety and restart their lives in dignity.

Donate now.
Donate Now!

 
Dear Tracy,

Syria is a long way from Sweden - geographically and culturally. This story bridges both worlds.

In 2013, Mahmoud, Jamila and their twin sons Mazen and Bilal fled their home in Syria.

"Rockets fell everywhere," Jamila explains. "We saw dead bodies in the streets. I felt like we were not human beings anymore."

Nine children die every day in Syria from war-related causes. Fearing their safety, the family took nothing with them and took shelter in an abandoned classroom crammed full of other displaced families before eventually making it to Lebanon.

Life in Lebanon was still a constant struggle for survival - they couldn't afford a place to live or medical treatment for Mahmoud, who has a serious disability.

Please make an urgent donation to Amnesty so our advocacy can help families like Jamila and Mahmoud's regain their safety and restart their lives in dignity.

Amnesty is calling global attention to these real stories of refugees who have fled Syria. We released our report Hardship, Hope and Resettlement: Refugees from Syria Tell Their Stories to encourage governments - like the U.S., Canada, European countries and other nations - to help resettle them. Thousands of Amnesty International members have showed their support for resettlement by posting photos indicating they are "Open To Syria."

Many countries have turned their backs to the children and families fleeing bloodshed in Syria. Roughly 95 percent of Syria's refugees are now sheltered by just five neighboring countries in the region. The rest of the world has only offered 80,000 resettlement spots for these 4 million people.

That is why we are increasing our efforts to advocate on their behalf - to ensure that governments open their hearts and communities to people who have escaped the atrocities of the Syrian government, the so-called Islamic State, and other armed groups.

Donate to support this effort today.

This family's story ends well. Sweden offered them a chance of a new life through its resettlement program - a lifeline offered to the most vulnerable refugees like Mahmoud, who have serious medical conditions or have been tortured.

The family is deeply grateful for the warm welcome and fresh start Sweden has given them, but they fear for their relatives who still face daily threats back home.

We rely on people like you to support our advocacy to provide hope for the people of Syria and people everywhere who face violence and government oppression. Please donate to support this work.

In solidarity,

Sunjeev Bery
Advocacy Director, Middle East North Africa
Amnesty International USA

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