The United States of America has announced $920 million in additional to its humanitarian assistance for Syria at the Brussels VII Conference with the theme: “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region”, on Thursday.
According to the statement released from office of the State Department Spokesman, while Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya made the announcement.
It was stated that this announcement brought the total U.S. government humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region to $1.1 billion in FY 2023 and almost $16.9 billion since the start of the 12-year crisis.
While the statement further revealed that this is the largest announcement of humanitarian funding to the Syria response to date and came against backdrop of high humanitarian needs exacerbated by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in early February 2023.
Adding that the United States remains steadfast in commitment to the Syrian people, and urged other donors to increase contributions to the response as Syrians continue to face severe challenges from years of war, terrorism, and natural disaster.
In her remarks at the Brussels VII Conference, Under Secretary Zeya reaffirmed importance of unfettered humanitarian access to all parts of Syria and urged UN Security Council to re-authorize UN cross-border aid into Syria in July.
She underscored U.S. support for a 12-month authorization of all three border crossing points currently in use, to ensure predictable humanitarian access to millions in need in northwest Syria.
Under Secretary Zeya also shared concern around the deteriorating situation for refugees in the region, including increased anti-refugee rhetoric, and reaffirmed conditions inside Syria are not in place for safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable refugee returns.
She 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.
Zeya also stressed that 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.
The crisis in Syria has now lasted twice as long as the Second World War. The toll this has taken on people in Syria, Syrian refugees and communities in the neighbouring countries is astronomical:
For the first time, every district in Syria is experiencing humanitarian stress. More than 15 million people – seven out of ten need humanitarian aid and protection. More than 13 million people were forced to flee their homes looking for safety.
