[6.3 Update] How we’re ensuring access to humanitarian aid ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌







Dear friend,

When crises strike, Mercy Corps’ immediate focus is on how we can meet the urgent needs of people most affected. A critical part of our response is to help open up humanitarian access and promote the protection of civilians.

Below is an update on how we are helping in Northwest Syria and Ukraine to promote humanitarian actions that help save lives and ensure people can emerge from crisis and rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Keeping border crossings open to Northwest Syria
   
   
     
"We were afraid of shelling before, but now we fear poverty and the lack of a safe and dignified place to live."

OMAR*, Northwest SYRIA

Omar* (*name changed for security) has been living at a camp for displaced people since a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated the region in February. He was partially paralyzed during the earthquake and has been using crutches ever since.

He is still worried about the safety in buildings and how he and others will rebuild their lives. Omar says the biggest needs are better shelter, clothes, and food, as well as "supplies to insulate our floors, electrical/battery infrastructure, and cash."
 
It’s been over 100 days since the massive earthquake that devastated Northwest Syria. More than 4 million people already relied on aid before the earthquake, and the spike in humanitarian need means it is critical for supplies to get to families — but access to the region is complex and politically rife.

In partnership with other humanitarian leaders, Mercy Corps has advocated to keep border crossings open. Since the earthquake, Syria has given permission to the United Nations to open two additional border crossings, and recently extended that agreement for another three months.

Mercy Corps was already on the ground working in Syria when the earthquake struck, and has strong relationships with local suppliers who do not rely on border crossings. We will continue to work to ensure that humanitarian access to the region remains unimpeded.

Protecting Civilians in Ukraine

In Ukraine, we are advocating for civilian protection as missile strikes continue to bombard essential infrastructure, leaving many civilians without access to electricity, water, and communications.

We appreciate the more than 4,000 supporters like you who stepped up and signed our civilian protection petition calling on the U.S. Congress to use every diplomatic resource available to uphold international humanitarian law for the protection of civilians and support humanitarian access across Ukraine.

The compassion and generosity of people like you helps power our response in places like Ukraine and Northwest Syria. Your support can help our teams to be ready at a moment's notice when disasters strike, and help communities recover and rebuild after the headlines fade.

That’s why we hope you’ll consider making a gift to Mercy Corps today — and, if you can, make it a monthly gift! You can help provide the sustainable support we need to meet the urgent demands of today and build pathways toward a brighter future.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on our emergency response progress.

Thank you,

Erynn Carter Erynn Carter
Mercy Corps Senior Director,
Humanitarian Response

With 16+ years’ experience, Erynn leads Mercy Corps’ global humanitarian response and preparedness efforts. She loves that her work provides opportunities to engage with people from all walks of life.