After the violent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, a wave of relief efforts has started, including in North Holland. Goods are being collected for the victims of the disaster in several places in the province. Max Veenstra of Humanitarian Resources International Foundation (HRIF) in Weesp has been working as a cross-border aid worker for more than 26 years. He gives three tips to people who want to offer help.
1. Check what is needed
The first tip seems simple, but it is quickly forgotten. Veenstra advises to first make an inventory of the needs of the victims, so that targeted collection can take place. HRIF also works this way. “We first look at what is needed and then we act on it.” Many goods are still for sale. Veenstra is happy with all the spontaneous aid initiatives that are being set up. “It comes from the heart of the people,” says Veenstra. “In that respect, I’m super happy that they want to help.”
2. Check what can be transported across borders
Fully loaded buses and trucks traveling to Turkey have to cross a number of borders. It is still unclear what the rules there are about relief supplies that are transported from the west to Turkey. There is a risk that all those collected relief goods, no matter how well intentioned, will not end up in the right place. “It is often the case that transport, customs clearance and distribution on site will cause problems,” says Veenstra. “Then it is possible that you cannot get through customs, for example.”
3. Collaborate with other aid organizations
Finally, Veenstra advises working with another aid organization in the region. “Find a local aid organization that suits you. Preferably a registered organization. You can communicate with those people from day one and coordinate what is needed. Then you can indicate with them what is on the way, so that you can plan well .”