The Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) inaugurated Wednesday a representative office in Damascus, Wednesday, aiming to continue its humanitarian operations in Syria with greater efficiency and sustainability.
In his speech during the ceremony, IHH Secretary-General Ahmet Koçan emphasized the importance of opening the Damascus office to support aid efforts and enhance the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian work. He noted that the new office would strengthen ties with the Syrian people and elevate relief operations to more advanced levels.
Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi told SANA that Turkey was among the first countries to provide healthcare, charitable and relief services, and support for small- and medium-sized projects, as well as the training and rehabilitation programs needed by the Syrian people.
Damascus countryside Governor Amer Sheikh highlighted the significant role IHH has played in assisting the Syrian people throughout the years of the revolution, including providing healthcare services, educational support, and contributing to humanitarian diplomacy.
He noted that the opening of the Damascus office reflects the foundation’s continued commitment to rebuilding a new Syria, driven by the determination of its people and supported by donors, humanitarian organizations, and close oversight from the Syrian government.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, Ambassador Burhan Koroglu, stated that the foundation’s work had previously focused on northern Syria and within Turkey to assist Syrian refugees. Today, IHH and its affiliated organizations aim to expand their operations across all of Syria.
He described the opening of the Damascus office as a crucial step that enables the foundation to support Syrians in reconstruction efforts, provide aid, and overcome challenges amid the extensive damage Syria has suffered.
Saad Baroud, Director of International Organizations and Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, considered the opening of the IHH office a further step toward organizing charitable and humanitarian work.
He noted that IHH is among the oldest organizations working with Syrians and has made significant contributions to humanitarian diplomacy.
It is worth noting that the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation was established in 1992 and institutionalized in 1995. Its headquarters are currently located in Istanbul, Turkey. The foundation aims to reach victims of wars, natural disasters, and refugees forced to flee their homes, providing them with material and financial aid and establishing charitable landmarks in their communities.
MHD Ibrahim
