Qatar signs pact with IOM to improve conditions in northwest Syria camps

The sites are located in northwest Syria.The project targets the prevention of flooding, improving the accessibility through road and pathway repairs, and providing basic infrastructure works.This comes following heavy rainfall and floods that affected 99 sites, destroying tents and leading to many deaths and injuries.The agreement was signed by Deputy Director General of projects at QFFD Misfer al-Shahwani and Chief of the IOM in Qatar Iman Ereiqat.Commenting on the signing, al-Shahwani said that "Every winter, heavy rain and flooding cause widespread damage and exacerbate the humanitarian needs of IDPs across Syria. As such, this winterisation agreement will enable us to ensure that life-saving flood response is secured in northwest Syria across various informal IDP sites as a flood mitigation response."Ereiqat said, "IOM Qatar is committed to supporting the efforts of the Qatari government in delivering humanitarian assistance to those who need it most. Today, it brings us much joy and pride to be part of this tremendous endeavour and to see the first tangible results of this fruitful partnership as we celebrate our first anniversary in the country."Director for the Department of Operations & Emergencies (DOE) in IOM Jeffrey Labovitz said IOM is delighted to sign the agreement with QFFD, highlighting that it was the first worldwide.He also thanked QFFD for their generous support to IOM's humanitarian response activities in Syria. "Thanks to the generous support of the Qatar Fund for Development, IOM's humanitarian activities will fill a critical need in improving living conditions for over 18,000 internally displaced persons in northwest Syria. This support comes at a crucial time ahead of the winter season when displaced families face harsh weather conditions," Chief of Mission for IOM Turkey Gerard Waite said.