How You Helped Us Respond to the Crisis in Rojava
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How You Helped Us Respond to the Crisis in Rojava —
The Crisis
Since January 2026, the Syrian transitional government launched large-scale military operations against Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria (Rojava), triggering a devastating humanitarian emergency. Thousands of civilians — Kurds, Yazidis, Assyrians, and other minority communities — were forced to flee their homes in the depths of winter. Cities including Kobani and Qamishli faced sustained military pressure and the collapse of basic services. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented human rights violations including civilian bombardments, displacement, and attacks on medical facilities. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities were among the most exposed — lacking shelter, heating, food, and medical care in freezing temperatures.
You made it possible for us to act immediately
Through our emergency appeal with our community, we managed to raise £89,243.61.
In the first round of distributions, we procured all essential items for families, and signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding with our distribution partner Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF).
The Lotus Flower led fundraising and procurement, ensuring every item met humanitarian quality standards before it left our hands. The Barzani Charitable Foundation, with their established field networks, logistical expertise, and cross-border coordination capacity, managed transportation and on-the-ground distribution across northeast Syria.
Who We Reached
We reached 7,430 individuals across 1,500 families across Qamishli, Malikiah, and Amoda in northeast Syria, prioritising internally displaced families, female-headed households, families with children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.
We reached 1,980 Women, 3,210 Children, 460 Elderly, 170 Persons with Disabilities
1,500 blankets were distributed to affected families to support them in coping with cold weather conditions and to improve their immediate living conditions.
1,500 mattresses with covers were provided to households to ensure basic sleeping arrangements and enhance comfort and dignity for displaced families.
1,500 family hygiene and dignity boxes — containing children's diapers, wet wipes, children's milk, women's dignity kits, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, sanitary pads, underwear, and combs and hairbrushes.
Financial Report
Our community raised £89,243.61 for the Rojava Emergency Appeal.
The first round of distributions went directly to physical emergency relief on the ground:
Here is a breakdown of how that money was spent:
1,500 blankets, mattresses & family hygiene boxes- £55,068
Packaging materials & printed stickers £495
Warehouse security £39
Staff logistics, loading & transport £537
Bank transfer fees £535
Total spend £56,674
The operational costs involved in collecting and distributing aid, including Donorbox fees, have been funded by a £10,000 donation specifically for core costs. This was kept entirely separate from community donations, which went entirely on aid.
Where the Remaining Funds Are Going
Due to ongoing security alerts and access constraints in the region, further physical distributions are not currently possible.
At the same time, guidance from our partners on the ground has indicated that the immediate needs of communities have changed. While the initial phase of the crisis required urgent, life-saving supplies, the priority is now shifting toward longer-term support – particularly in psychological care and strengthening local capacity.
After close consultation with our partners, we are directing the remaining funds where they are needed most. This will ensure that the funds raised continue to deliver meaningful and much-needed support in a rapidly changing humanitarian context.
1) A portion is being invested in a local, Rojava-based NGO for 12 months. This will help support their team, build operational capacity and enable them to continue serving their own community. This forms part of the Lotus Flower’s Localisation in Action Incubator programme, which is designed to ensure sustainable, community-led support.
2) Through our Therapy Beyond Borders programme, displaced individuals and families will be able to access qualified psychologists via online sessions. Funding these services will provide vital mental health support to Rojava-affected families living with the ongoing impact of displacement, trauma and loss.