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In the run-up to World Refugee Day (June 20), the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO), in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), is launching a campaign urging people to join together in paying tribute to the hundreds of thousands of ordinary people in the region who have gone out of their way to help Syrian refugees. 

The month-long online campaign will bring out the untold stories of #everydayheroes living in countries neighbouring Syria; Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan, where nearly four million Syrian refugees have now sought refuge since the Syria crisis began in 2011. During this period, people will be invited to post and share their everyday hero tales on social media outlets.

“There is a lot of media coverage highlighting the negative impact of the crisis on the refugee-hosting countries, but there are also many positive stories that never get reported,” said David Verboom, ECHO’s regional head of office in Amman, Jordan. “This is an attempt to redress the balance a little; to shine some light on the generosity and friendship shown towards the refugees and vice versa, that often goes unnoticed.” 

The campaign aims to create an online solidarity with Syrian refugees, showing that people are standing shoulder to shoulder with them and saying: “I care”. 

“Every one of the people we will feature in the campaign is a true inspiration to those of us who will never stop working towards delivering dignity to refugees as they await a just solution to their plight”, said Peter Klanso, MENA-DRC director. 

“Particularly heartening are the young Syrian male and female refugees who in their new host communities are working hard every day to make life better for their fellow refugees. These people are determined not to be victims and are truly inspirational.”

Beirut restaurant owner Tony Ata is featured in the #everydayheroes campaign. He prepares and donates over 50 meals to vulnerable Syrian refugees every week. “It’s not complicated. They are humans who need help,” he said. 

Since the start of the conflict in Syria, more than 11.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including 3.9 million who fled to neighbouring countries, and more than 12 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, an increase of 30 percent compared to one year ago.

Campaign Launch Event:
The campaign launch will take place on Monday 15, June in Amman, Jordan.
Location: ActionAid regional office, 1st Farazdak, Jabal Weibdeh Amman.
Time: 1700 -1900
The event will feature a photo exhibition depicting the campaign’s #everydayheroes shot by Lebanon-resident photographer, Leila Alaoui. The launch event will feature a live performance by Majd, a Syrian hip hop performer currently living in Jordan.

About ECHO:
The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) is one of the biggest donors of humanitarian aid in the world. The EU and its Members States have provided more than €3.6 billion for relief and recovery assistance to Syrians inside their country and to refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries.
About DRC
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1956 that works in more than 30 countries throughout the world.
For more information on the #everydayheroes campaign, please visit the site on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/everydayheroesworldrefugeeday/info?tab=page_info
Follow us on Twitter: @drc_dk; @eu_echo; @ECHO_MiddleEast
For further information please contact:
Rowena McNaughton, Regional Communications Officer, DRC: +962 796908959, rowena.mcnaughton@drc-