Romanian Volunteers Complete Humanitarian Mission in Iraq

From Nov. 4-14, the 9^th ‘Humanitarian Intervention of International Solidarity with Refugees’ took place through the Adventist Development and Relief (ADRA) project ‘Hope for Immigrants’ in Erbil, Iraq. The project, with the support of 10 volunteers from ADRA Romania, offered medical and psychological assistance. 

In early August 2017, a situation in northern Iraq caused volunteers to return to the Hassan Sham U2 refugee camp to support those sheltered during a period of war. Medical and psychological assistance provided took place at the ADRA/Adventist Help hospital, located in a region with more than 100,000 refugees.

ADRA Romania volunteers with diverse professions, including medical professionals, decided to use their talents, resources, and time to collect the necessary funds and materials to return to the camp in Iraq. Although some of the materials were blocked for a while at the border between Turkey and Iraq, volunteers were able to provide medical and dental care to many. 

During ADRA Romania’s first humanitarian trip earlier this year, volunteers learned the refugees lacked access to books but wanted to continue their education. Between the two humanitarian trips, volunteers, collected almost 300 donated books and set up a library for the community upon their return.

“We are glad we could be helpful at a key moment in the hospital,” said Mihai Brasov, volunteer assistant manager, ADRA projects coordinator for ‘Hope for Immigrants.’ “Due to armed tensions in the area, following a referendum on Kurdish independence, the hospital was shut down and volunteers were forced to leave the country. Our arrival there has given hope to the volunteers.”

“ADRA Romania managed to bring a drop of hope to camp refugees and volunteers working for the hospital,” Brasov continued. “It still needs help! If you are a doctor or a nurse you have a great opportunity for volunteering and your action will make the difference between life and death for those troubled people. ”  

ADRA International and ADRA Romania, through the project ‘Hope for Immigrants,’ recognizes the human toll of this refugee crisis as well as the value of each person involved. By making human rights a core value and acting with compassion, a clear message of power is transmitted during this complex and fragile situation, agency leaders stated.

“Through its specific activities, ADRA wants to minimize the impact of this overwhelming and unbearable situation for as many men, women and children,” they said.