The Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê) was founded in Bochum on 4 March 1993. Today, the aid organisation has its headquarters in Troisdorf. The association has representations in numerous European countries as well as in West and South Kurdistan (Rojava and Başûr) and works together with other institutions on a project basis.

The basic aim of Heyva Sor is to provide the people of Kurdistan with humanitarian needs such as food, health, shelter and education. For this purpose, health centres and similar permanent facilities are set up in places with a corresponding need. In disaster situations, food, medicine and other urgent needs are distributed, and support is given to the construction of temporary shelters in the case of refugee movements.

Heyva Sor launched a membership campaign on Friday to mark its founding anniversary. The aid organisation points out that with a regular income through membership fees, long-term projects can be planned and even more people can be supported. At the same time, a high number of members helps to raise awareness among authorities and international institutions, which can lead to joint projects. "For these reasons, we appeal to all people who are willing to help, that at least one person from each household becomes a member of us and regularly makes a contribution that they themselves have determined," said Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê. Membership applications can be downloaded from the website.

Support from Heyva Sor

According to its own information, the aid organisation has already supported 593 children in need of help in Kurdistan this year with 290,000 euros and 20,000 Swiss francs. In Northern Kurdistan, food packages worth a total of 20,000 euros were distributed. 5,000 euros went to the Maxmur refugee camp in Southern Kurdistan to support children with disabilities. 20,000 euros were sent to the prosthesis and rehabilitation centre in Qamishlo.

Last year, Heyva Sor supported, among others, migrants stranded on the Polish-Belarusian border, flood victims in Van, sick prisoners in Turkey, the Lavrio refugee camp in Greece and health projects in Rojava, Shengal and Maxmur.