US announces $593m in additional support to aid Syrian people

The United States of America through the US Agency for International Development USAID has announced $593 million aid assistance for Syria at Brussels VIII Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region.”

In a statement released by the State Department Spokesman on Monday, stating that this life-saving assistance from people of America includes $360 million through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

Also, more than $233 million through the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance which brings the total US govt aid to Syria and the region to nearly $2 billion since the beginning of FY 2023 and more than $17.8 billion since the start of the 13-year crisis.

The assistance announced in Brussels will address humanitarian needs arising from historic levels of displacement, with more than 16.7 million Syrians in need within Syria and nearly 6 million Syrian refugees across the region.

In her statement, USAID Administrator, Samantha Power expressed concern about the deteriorating situation for refugees in the region, including increased anti-refugee rhetoric, and reaffirmed that any return of Syrian refugees should be safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable.

She said United States will also continue our advocacy for humanitarian workers, some of whom have already lost their lives. “We’ll continue to partner with the UN and other organizations pushing for unhindered and sustained humanitarian access to communities in need.

“We will continue to oppose efforts to send refugees back to unsafe conditions, while also providing resources to countries like Lebanon and Jordan, who have generously opened their doors to Syrians fleeing violence.
“And we will continue to call for all parties to engage diplomatically to bring about political end to this conflict the permanent solution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. But need others to join us. We need your help to mobilize additional resources to meet the staggering needs in Syria, needs that have only continued to grow”, she added. 

Humanitarian assistance announced at the Ministerial includes: Assistance provided through international organization partners to meet the needs of the most vulnerable refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities.

Including emergency shelter; food assistance; access to health care and education; water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies; support for livelihoods; protection for those in situations of vulnerability, including women, children and youth, LGBTQI+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Also, support through partnerships with international and local non-governmental organizations as they work with govts around the region to provide life-saving support and protection to host communities, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Administrator Power emphasized that a political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 remains the only way to end the suffering of the Syrian people. 

She also stressed the United States will continue promoting respect for the dignity and human rights of all Syrians and continue supporting Syrian civil society in pursuing justice and accountability for human rights violations and abuses.

Meanwhile, the United States remains committed to assisting the Syrian people and encourages other donors to continue their support for Syrians facing severe challenges from years of war, terrorism, and natural disasters.