Barzani Charity Foundation: Over 770,000 Beneficiaries in Western Kurdistan Since 2013
"Thanks to the trust of Afrin’s people and BCF’s sustained support, the Kurdish population has now surpassed 400,000, representing over 70% of the area’s inhabitants," Rawaj Haji announced.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) announced during a special conference on Tuesday, that its humanitarian programs have reached more than 770,000 individuals in northern Syria (Western Kurdistan) through 23 major aid projects delivered since 2013.
The conference, held in Erbil under the theme “We Stand by You, Always,” was attended by representatives from international humanitarian organizations and local dignitaries from Western Kurdistan. BCF President Musa Ahmed reaffirmed the Foundation’s enduring support for the people of Western Kurdistan, stating that the first convoy of humanitarian aid was dispatched in 2013 following the directive of President Masoud Barzani.
“Backed by the Kurdistan Regional Government, we have consistently reached every region in Rojava in need of humanitarian assistance—and we will continue to do so,” Musa Ahmad affirmed.
Massive Humanitarian Reach
According to official statistics shared during the event, 127,390 families—equivalent to 770,879 individuals—have benefitted from BCF’s projects across Rojava. The aid included:
1,560 tons of medicine
3,025 tons of food supplies
430 tons of additional essential items
This assistance was delivered through 391 aid convoys, with the total value of the operations estimated at $7,363,412 USD.
Geographical and Sectoral Distribution
The aid was distributed across several key regions in Rojava:
Hesake and Qamishlo: 194,588 beneficiaries
Afrin: 209,451 beneficiaries
Kobani: 366,840 beneficiaries
Over the past 12 years, the Foundation has delivered services in education, development, healthcare, sanitation, water and wastewater systems, food security, and shelter. Additionally, financial and logistical support has been provided to individuals impacted by conflict and displacement.
Dedicated Services in Afrin and Education Support
The Barzani Charity Foundation has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Afrin’s Kurdish community, reversing a dramatic demographic decline through dedicated humanitarian and educational initiatives.
Rawaj Haji, Member of the Board of Directors and Head of Human Resources at BCF, highlighted the stark transformation. "Before 2011, over 98% of Afrin’s population were Kurds, with 550,000 Kurds recorded in the census," Haji stated. "However, by 2023—following years of conflict and displacement—the Kurdish population had plummeted to just 150,000, making up only 30% of the region."
But after BCF’s intervention, particularly following the devastating earthquake in southern Turkey and western Kurdistan in 2023, the foundation’s efforts have led to a remarkable resurgence. "Thanks to the trust of Afrin’s people and BCF’s sustained support, the Kurdish population has now surpassed 400,000, representing over 70% of the area’s inhabitants," Haji announced proudly.
Humanitarian and Medical Aid
Since 2023, BCF has provided critical assistance to 222,000 individuals (38,000 families) in Afrin. The foundation’s mobile medical teams have delivered healthcare services across 235 villages, ensuring access to treatment in remote areas. Additionally, 192 vulnerable individuals have received financial aid, while 200 orphans have been granted ongoing support.
Education and Cultural Preservation
Recognizing the importance of education, BCF has funded 125 students at the University of Azaz, enabling them to pursue higher education. In a significant step to preserve Kurdish identity, the foundation has also provided sustained financial support to 58 Kurdish language teachers in Afrin, ensuring the continuity of Kurdish linguistic and cultural heritage.
Support for Refugees in the Kurdistan Region
Beyond Syria’s borders, BCF has also supported refugees from Rojava residing in the Kurdistan Region. Outside refugee camps, 33,969 families (169,447 individuals) received aid, while inside the camps, 17,623 families (81,260 individuals) benefitted from BCF's projects.
The Foundation’s long-term presence and extensive engagement reflect its deep-rooted commitment to alleviating human suffering and reinforcing resilience across Kurdish communities in Syria and the Kurdistan Region.
