To mark International Human Rights Day (10th December), we are presenting the documentary Boys of DEZ, an intimate and touching story that reveals the resilience and courage of three young Syrians from Deir-ez-Zor.
Directed by Mohammed Deab, WeWorld's Communication Officer in Syria, the short film traces their dramatic experiences during the siege of the city - one of the longest and most devastating in the history of the Syrian conflict.
A tale of solidarity and hope in a crisis context: Mohammed, Fadel and Qassem, the protagonists and members of our staff, grew up under bombings while also being deprived of their fundamental rights. During the three-year-long siege, they chose to join the Syrian Red Cross (SARC) to bring aid to their fellow citizens, facing extreme conditions: lack of food, electricity and medical care, while their own lives where at risk.
"Today Boys of DEZ is not only the story of our lives,’ explains Deab, "but it is also a testimony to the suffering of an entire city and the strength of those who have chosen to stay to rebuild a better future."
A humanitarian crisis that is still unfolding. The conflict started 13 years ago, but Syria is still witnessing violence and instability.
With the recent turn of events, the collapse of the regime and the fragile political situation, which is evolving hour by hour, we call for the protection of the rights of all Syrians and for the safety of all humanitarian staff.
Andrea Sparro, WeWorld's Country Representative in Syria, says:“The humanitarian situation is critical and our work on the ground needs to resume immediately, to deliver emergency relief to children and their families.” Read our statement here.
In Deir-ez-Zor, where 80% of the buildings have been destroyed, we work on emergency education projects, access to water and sanitation, and economic recovery support to provide local communities with new livelihood opportunities.
With the launch of Boys of DEZ, we affirm our commitment to defending human rights in Syria and around the world. The documentary celebrates the strength of the civilian population's resilience and solidarity in times of crisis. It also calls for a global reflection on the need to protect the fundamental rights of millions of people living in conflict contexts.
