Where can they go? Syria’s refugees need your voice

Syria's refugees need your voice

Dear Tracy, Syria and Sweden. These two countries don't share much in common — unless you've met Mahmoud, Jamila and their twin sons Mazen and Bilal. In 2013, this Syrian family fled their home after their lights had been cut out and they were overwhelmed by the horrors of war: Rockets everywhere, and dead bodies in the streets. The family took nothing with them and sheltered in an abandoned classroom crammed full of other displaced families before eventually making it to Lebanon. Life in Lebanon was still a constant struggle for survival - they couldn't afford a place to live or medical treatment for Mahmoud, who has a serious disability. Amnesty is calling global attention to these real stories of refugees who have fled Syria. We have released our report Hardship, Hope and Resettlement: Refugees from Syria tell their stories to encourage governments — like those of the U.S., Canada, E.U members and other countries — to help resettle them. So far, most of the 4 million refugees have fled to just five neighboring countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt and Turkey. Please make an urgent donation to Amnesty so we can advocate that governments help families like Jamila and Mahmoud's regain their safety and reclaim their dignity. Many in the global community have turned their backs on children and families fleeing bloodshed in Syria. Only 80,000 spots have been offered for nearly 4 million people — that's just 2%. That is why we are increasing our efforts to advocate on their behalf — to ensure that more countries open their hearts and communities to people who have escaped the atrocities of the Syrian government, the Islamic State and other armed groups. This family's story ends well. Sweden offered them a chance of a new life through its resettlement program — a lifeline offered to the most vulnerable refugees like Mahmoud, who have serious medical conditions or have been tortured. The family is deeply grateful for the fresh start Sweden has given them, but they fear for their relatives who still face daily threats back home. We rely on people like you to support our actions to help provide hope for the people of Syria and people everywhere who face violence and government oppression. Please donate to support this work. Sincerely, Sunjeev Bery Advocacy Director, Middle East North Africa Amnesty International USA