The White Helmets

The White Helmets is a community-based civil defense organization founded in 2013 to provide emergency management services in areas of Syria where state-run services had collapsed following the outbreak of the conflict. We work to support civilians in conflict zones through the implementation of a wide range of stabilization and humanitarian activities. With support offices in Canada, Turkey, and Europe, the White Helmets operate in Syria in non-regime-controlled areas serving more than 4.5 million civilians. We have a team of around 3,000 volunteers whose humanitarian work helps hundreds of communities prepare for, respond to & recover from violent attacks and natural disasters. Our mission is to protect lives and property as well as engaging communities to raise awareness, acting with both integrity and professionalism, while promoting justice in situations of war and peace, ultimately seeking to achieve high levels of sustainability and resilience for a safe and stable society. The WH have saved over 120k lives since 2013. The activities carried out by WH are divided into four categories: Firefighting and Search and Rescue (SAR), Early Recovery, Ambulance and Health services, and Justice and Accountability. As an organization, we are committed to the principles of independence, humanity, and impartiality. We work in accordance with international humanitarian law and are committed to promoting gender equality in our teams. Our work has received unparalleled levels of recognition and support, becoming a symbol of humanity and inspiration in Syria and internationally.