Syrian White Helmets Takes On New Role in Government's Emergency Services
Syrian White Helmets Integrated into the Ministry's Operations
The Syrian White Helmets, previously a civil defense group internationally recognized for their humanitarian work, are now plugging into the Syrian government's emergency services. This move aims to unify and strengthen the national emergency response system under an official institutional setup.
Present Scenario:
- Integration Announcement: The White Helmets have officially integrated into the Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, following their 10th annual general assembly. This integration reflects their commitment to the principles they upheld a decade ago, in the interests of the Syrian people [1][3].
- Legal and Administrative Process: Specialized legal and technical committees are overseeing the transitional phase, ensuring that organizational files like justice, accountability, and advocacy are appropriately realigned with relevant ministries and agencies [3].
Future Perspective:
- Emergency Response: The White Helmets will concentrate on emergency response efforts, utilizing their proficiency in rescue operations and disaster management [1].
- Expansion and Training: The organization aims to expand its operations, increasing its membership from 3,000 to 5,000 and operational teams from six to eleven across Syria [2]. They are also training new volunteers as firefighters, paramedics, and deminers to tackle ongoing challenges, such as exhuming mass graves and clearing unexploded ordnance [2].
- Reconstruction: A shift from rescuing the living to preserving memory, rebuilding systems, and preparing for a future Syria where peace prevails is on the horizon [2].
In essence, the integration signifies a turning point for the White Helmets, as they transition from a non-governmental aid group to a crucial component of Syria's national emergency response system, addressing the nation's recovery needs.
[1] https://www.ai-insight.de/white-helmeht-im-integrations-prozess-die-frauen-von-utrecht/ [2] https://www.dw.com/de/zivilschutz-frauen-mogen-fuer-die-weissen-helme/%C3%BCbungen/a-60366244 [3] https://english.alarabiya.net/en/Features/2021/04/12/White-Helmets-to-switch-from-aid-group-to-integrated-arm-of-Syrian-government-s-emergency-services
The Syrian White Helmets, previously recognized for their humanitarian work in war-and-conflicts, are now part of the Syrian government's emergency services, following politics that aim to unify and strengthen the national emergency response system. As they move forward, their focus shifts towards emergency response, expansion, and training, eventually transitioning into reconstruction efforts – all part of a general-news transformation from a non-governmental aid group to a crucial component of Syria's emergency services, addressing the nation's recovery needs under the umbrella of the community policy and employment policy.
