The full interview with the Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al Saleh скачать в хорошем качестве

The full interview with the Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al Saleh

The full interview with the Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al Saleh 1. Origins and Development of the White Helmets Civil Defense (White Helmets) began 12 years ago with no resources. Grew to 3,500 members before the areas were “liberated.” Became one of the world’s most recognized humanitarian organizations. Received around 50 international awards and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. 2. Challenges and Governmental Transition The organization faced major smear campaigns by the former regime and Russia. It was the only entity to respond to the earthquake disaster without international support. The last decision Al-Saleh made as director was to authorize legal action against Bashar al-Assad. White Helmets documented regime crimes during rescue operations. 3. Establishing the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management The decision to create a ministry, not just a council or body, reflects the scale of Syria’s crises. Studied emergency management models from 17 countries. Proposals for the ministry’s mandate have been submitted to the president for a decree. Core mission: pre-disaster planning and preparedness. 4. Institutional Integration and Reform A phased plan is in place to integrate the White Helmets into the ministry. Government will fund activities previously managed by the White Helmets. Donor contracts signed by the White Helmets will be legally respected during integration. Internationally funded projects will now be implemented under the ministry. 5. Emergency Preparedness and Risk Reduction Early warning systems, climate monitoring, and seismic observation are being developed. Cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education to rehabilitate an institute for earthquake studies. Training programs planned in schools and universities. Goal: every Syrian household to have at least one person trained in emergency response. Inspiration drawn from Germany’s local volunteer emergency models. 6. Post-War Challenges and Safety Risks Major threat: damaged housing being reinhabited by returnees. Coordination with engineers and local government to assess buildings at risk of collapse. Evaluating staff and equipment inherited from the former regime. No personnel involved in past crimes will be included in the ministry. 7. National Mine Action and Recovery A national center for mine and war remnants clearance will be established. Working with local and international partners on this effort. Mines in agricultural areas threaten food security. Iranian mines pose special detection challenges. Aim to secure wide safe zones for housing and farming within three years. Full mine clearance timeline is currently unknown. 8. Government Collaboration and Institutional Vision Strong coordination among all ministries in the current Syrian government. The ministry aims to offer a new model of governance: people-first, service-oriented. Civil Defense will retain its identity and branding after integration. A Volunteer Management Division has been established to sustain civic engagement.