ACTNews, ISTANBUL, KAYSERI - The Turkish government has imposed new restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19. These restrictions apply to all people living in Turkey, including the Uighur community in Istanbul. These new restrictions have affected the life of the Uighur community in Turkey in the advent of winter.

Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) aims to assist the Uighur community by distributing fuel and food packages to the Uighur families in Istanbul and Keyseri. Firdaus Guritno from the Global Humanity Response - ACT reported that the distribution charcoals for the room heaters took place from Wednesday (11/25) to Friday (11/27) in Kayseri. “We provide up to 10 tons of charcoal for nearly 500 people in Kayseri. In Kayseri, the temperature at night can reach below 5 degrees Celsius during winter. In its peak from December to February, it can reach up to minus 10 degrees Celsius," said Firdaus.

Hundreds of food packages and school kits were also distributed to Uighur families in Istanbul. Firdaus added, 150 food packages and 33 school kits reached the Uighur families in Istanbul.

 “The Uighur Community in Turkey has no income during the pandemic because there are no active jobs. In addition, the Turkish government has again imposed restrictions as the number of Covid-19 cases in Turkey reaches 600,000. On weekdays, people are only allowed to do outdoor activities from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. On weekends, no outdoor activities are allowed,” explained Firdaus.

This winter, Aksi Cepat Tanggap will continue to distribute winter assistance to communities or citizens in need around the world supported by the generous donors []