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
In January 2026, the Syrian transitional government launched large-scale military operations against Kurdish-led forces in Rojava (northeast Syria), 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 people with disabilities were among the most exposed – lacking shelter, heating, food, and medical care in often freezing temperatures.
You made it possible for us to act immediately
Through our Rojava 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 BCF, with its 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 within 1,500 families across Qamishli, Malikiah and Amoda in northeast Syria, prioritising internally displaced families, female-headed households, families with children, elderly individuals and persons with disabilities.
We reached 1,980 Women, 3,210 Children, 460 Elderly and 170 Persons with Disabilities
1,500 blankets were distributed to affected families to support them through cold weather 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 were provided. These included children's diapers, wet wipes, children's milk, women's dignity kits, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, sanitary pads, underwear, plus 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. Below is a breakdown of how that money was spent:
1,500 blankets, mattresses & family hygiene boxes - £55,068
Packaging - £495
Warehouse security - £39
Logistics & 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 were spent solely 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 local team, we have decided to allocate the funds to two programmes to support Rojava. This will ensure that the funds raised continue to deliver meaningful and much-needed support in a rapidly changing humanitarian context.
Community NGO Strengthening in Rojava
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. It forms part of the Lotus Flower’s Localisation in Action Incubator programme, which is designed to ensure sustainable, community-led support. It will also mean that we strengthen an organisation which we can partner with in future if necessary. As an NGO that started with nothing, we know first-hand how vital capacity-building support is. It's what enabled our own growth, and we are now committed to helping other, smaller community-based organisations do the same.
Mental Health Support
Conflict takes a devastating toll not only on those who directly experience it, but also on families watching helplessly from afar. Mental health support is therefore more critical than ever, and through our Therapy Beyond Borders programme, remaining funds will enable us to support Rojava-affected families through access to qualified psychologists via online sessions. Communities where we work in Domiz (many of whom have family in Rojava) have asked for these services, and we will aim to support those impacted in camps, as well as across borders into Rojava.