IMO Secretary-General Mr. Kitack Lim, has launched an Appeal for Funds and a mechanism to facilitate donations to help those impacted by the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic on 6 February 2023 followed by powerful aftershocks and another earthquake two weeks later.
The United Nations estimates that, to date, tens of thousands of lives have been lost and thousands more have been injured. The UN further indicates that over 18 million people have been affected across southern Türkiye and northwest Syria.
Rescue operations continue, but the focus is now shifting to providing essential support for survivors who have lost their homes, belongings, livelihoods and loved ones. With thousands of buildings collapsed, and hospitals, roads and infrastructure destroyed, millions of people are in urgent need of help.
Announcing the IMO fundraising appeal at the opening (27 February) of the 9th Session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 9) at IMO Headquarters in London, Mr. Lim said donations to the IMO fund will be accepted between 27 February and 27 March 2023. Donations will then be sent to the United Nations Secretariat fund to support the provision of experts, emergency relief, food, medical supplies and other life-saving items.
On behalf of the IMO membership and the Secretariat, Mr. Lim expressed his sincere condolences to the people of both countries and commended all those involved in the search and rescue operations and in the provision of critical supplies and medical facilities since the earthquake hit.
Mr. Lim said: "As part of the UN family, IMO and its membership stand ready to support these efforts and join the call of the UN Secretary-General Guterres to provide funds to facilitate the emergency relief, food, medical supplies, thermal blankets and other life-saving items to the affected areas."
The Secretary-General thanked the Maritime Attachés and Representatives Club and the IMO Staff Association for encouraging and supporting this fundraising initiative and for their offer to contribute to the fund.
"I am certain that the IMO family will be very generous, and we will be able to transfer a considerable amount to support the UN efforts," he said.
Bank account details for those who wish to donate:
Account name IMO General Fund 1000 GBP
Bank name J. P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Bank address 25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5JP, United Kingdom Bank sort code 60-92-42
BIC (Swift-Code) CHASGB2L
Account no. 41035047
IBAN GB26 CHAS 6092 4241 0350 47
Reference Earthquake Fund
For those based in London or visiting IMO Headquarters, there is a condolence book in the delegates' lounge.
