The Syrian Future Movement commemorates World Civil Defence Day, observed annually on March 1st, the date the Statute of the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) entered into force in 1972.
The United Nations General Assembly subsequently adopted this day as an official occasion to honor those working in rescue and civil protection, and to raise global awareness of the importance of building effective civil defence systems capable of responding to natural disasters and man-made accidents.
The Syrian Future Movement views this day as an opportunity to emphasize that civil protection is not merely an emergency relief service, but a fundamental element of national security, social stability, and restoring trust between citizens and the state.
In a country that has witnessed – for over a decade – the accumulation of natural disasters (such as the February 2023 earthquake) and incidents resulting from armed conflict and structural deterioration, rebuilding a modern, professional, and independent civil defence apparatus has become a national priority that cannot be postponed.
The Syrian Future Movement is committed to restructuring the civil protection system in Syria according to a long-term vision that includes:
- Establishing a unified national civil defense force, independent of political and sectarian biases, and based on international standards in training, equipment, and response.
- Developing strategic partnerships with the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and specialized relief organizations to transfer expertise and build sustainable capacities.
- Integrating a culture of disaster preparedness and first aid into the national educational curriculum (from primary school onwards), and into vocational training and community awareness programs.
- Developing a comprehensive national strategy for disaster risk reduction that aligns with the Sendai Framework 2015–2030, with a sustainable annual budget, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and community participation.
- Establishing a national early warning and crisis management network covering the most vulnerable areas (coast, mountainous regions, northeast, and south), with regional command centers connected to a unified national center.
- Supporting and honoring Syrian volunteers and personnel who worked under exceptional circumstances, and integrating them into the new national structure with the provision of advanced training programs and adequate social and health insurance.
The Syrian Future Movement aspires for Syria – by 2035 – to be capable of dealing with disasters with high efficiency, so that the Civil Defense becomes a symbol of national unity and institutional competence, and evidence of the successful transition to a state of institutions that protects its citizens in times of peace, war, and disaster.
The Syrian Future Movement extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those who sacrificed their lives or health to protect Syrians in the most difficult circumstances, whether they were volunteers, official personnel, or relief workers.
It calls upon all segments of the Syrian people to support the building of a strong and unified national Civil Defense apparatus that reflects the values of solidarity, humanity, and shared responsibility.
