Since 2011, 83% of lights have gone out in Syria. A movement to turn them back on has gained international support, among them acclaimed artist Banksy
[embedded content]In February last year, the UN called for an end to attacks on civilians in Syria, and more humanitarian aid for the millions in need. Since then, over 15,000 civilians have been killed, many of them children. Ten million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes. Three million Syrian children are no longer in school. Teachers are risking their lives to keep schools running; volunteer rescue workers are pulling people from bombed out buildings, and doctors are operating with only the light of their personal mobile phones to save the wounded.
As True Activist has recently reported, refugees are being welcomed with open arms in Germany and Iceland (but not so much in Britain, to its shame). Europe‘s politicians have avoided discussing the fact that the worst humanitarian exodus since WW2 was created by warmongering imperialism, as we pointed out here, and at the time of writing no agreements have been made between EU member states about what steps can be taken to ensure that all countries share the duty and the burden of re-homing these desperate families fairly. In short, the Syrian crisis isn’t going to get any better anytime soon.
#WithSyria is a movement of over 130 organisations and people around the world standing in solidarity with those caught in this terrible conflict. Internationally acclaimed street artist Banksy lent his support to the #WithSyria movement by making this beautiful video last year. If you missed it the first time around, check it out and share it now- it has never been so crucial! The #WithSyria website explains how something as simple as light can make a huge difference to this war-torn country:
“Satellite images show that 83% of the lights in Syria have gone out since March 2011. Years of brutal conflict have plunged Syria’s people into the dark. Millions have been forced to flee their homes and many are struggling to access the food, water and shelter they need to survive. Meanwhile, highly publicized extreme violence by cross-border terrorist groups has spread fear and refocused the world’s attention on Syria. But it has also distracted from the daily suffering of ordinary Syrians and from the violations of international law and human rights committed by all sides. As the civilian death toll rises, and the repercussions of violence are felt thousands of miles away, it is clear that we must call on our governments to do more to drive away the darkness and help turn the lights back on.”
Kofi Annan, Former secretary-general of the UN, has said: “We’ve let the people of Syria down. While we are divided and pointing fingers and accusing each other, they are paying with their lives.” If you agree, please consider sharing this moving Banksy video and signing the petition here.
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