WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new announcement of of American aid brings 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.
Office of the Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State:
Today, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya announced $920 million in additional U.S. humanitarian assistance for Syria at the Brussels VII Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region.”
The announcement brings 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. It is our largest announcement of humanitarian funding to the Syria response to date and comes against a backdrop of record-high humanitarian needs exacerbated by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in early February 2023. The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to the Syrian people, and we urge other donors to increase their 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 the importance of unfettered humanitarian access to all parts of Syria and urged the 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 that conditions inside Syria are not in place for safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable refugee returns.
Under Secretary Zeya 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 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.
(PHOTO: Syrian refugees arrive in Lebanon earlier this year after fleeing their homes in western Syria. The number of Syrian refugees has passed 2.563 million. UNHCR/A.McConnell)
According to the United Nations, the Syrian refugee crisis is the result of a March 2011 violent government crackdown on public demonstrations in support of a group of teenagers who were arrested for anti-government graffiti in the southern town of Daraa. The arrests sparked public demonstrations throughout Syria which were violently suppressed by government security forces. Conflict quickly escalated and the country descended into a civil war that forced millions of Syrian families out of their homes. Millions of people still need humanitarian assistance.