Syrian White Helmets Integrated into the Ministry's Offices
Fusing Aid and Administration: White Helmets Merge with Syrian Government
The rescue organization, White Helmets, originally called the Syrian Civil Defense, is making a major shift in its operations in Syria. After operating for several years in conflict zones, the White Helmets are now merging with the new government structures, aiming to become a vital component of a ministry.
This transition was announced half a year following the downfall of dictator Bashar al-Assad in Syria. A significant step in this process occurred with the appointment of the head of the Syrian Civil Defense, Raed Saleh, as the Minister of Civil Defense at the end of March by the interim Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The programs previously focused on disaster relief in Syria will now be shifted to the newly formed Ministry of Civil Defense. The organization declared this shift, stating, "Our humanitarian mission does not end with saving lives in conflicts, but continues through active participation in building a stable, prosperous, and peaceful Syria."
Established in 2011, two years into the Syrian civil war, the White Helmets gained international recognition for their swift response to rescue victims following bombings and natural disasters. Their aid was primarily funded by contributions from countries such as Germany, Britain, and the USA. In 2016, the organization received the coveted Alternative Nobel Prize.
Originally active in rebel territories during the civil war, the White Helmets were seen as supporters of the opposition by Bashar al-Assad. However, after Assad's fall in December, the organization expanded its activities to broader regions in the country. The merged organization is now responsible for searching for missing persons and mass graves, fire extinguishing, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
- Syria
- Crisis Management
Enrichment Data:
Details on Integration:
The White Helmets are gearing up for a full integration into Syria's government emergency services. This decision was reached during their 10th annual general assembly, where members endorsed being absorbed into the Syrian government under the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management[1]. The goal of this integration is to streamline and boost emergency response across Syria by incorporating the White Helmets within a formal institutional structure[1].
Key Aspects:
- Exclusive Focus: The White Helmets will center their efforts on enhancing Syria's national emergency response capabilities, relying on their expertise[1].
- Redistribution of Responsibilities: Accountability, advocacy, and justice tasks will be reassigned to appropriate governmental departments and entities[1].
This integration is occurring in a challenging political climate marked by notable shifts in Syria's government structure, such as the overthrow of the Assad regime and the emergence of a transitional government[2]. Overall, the merger represents a strategic move towards rebuilding and stabilizing Syria's emergency services within a unified government framework.
[1] The White Helmets. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.thewhitehelme ts.org/[2] Hames, P. (2022). Syrian Civil War: Timeline of Key Battles, Events, and Conflicts 2011-2022. Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Syrian-Civil-War/Timeline-of-key-battles-events-and-conflicts
- The merger of the White Helmets with the Syrian government marks a significant shift in the organization's crisis management approach, as they aim to become a crucial component of the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management within the Syrian government.
- This decision, reached during the White Helmets' 10th annual general assembly, is an ambitious step towards streamlining and enhancing emergency response across Syria, with the organization focusing exclusively on boosting the country's national emergency response capabilities.
