International Donors Pledge 5.8 Billion Euros for Syria Amidst Reduced Support
At a recent conference in Brussels, donors pledged 5.8 billion euros in aid for Syria, representing a decrease from last year’s 7.5 billion euros. The EU ramped up its commitment while the U.S.’s financial support has dwindled, placing increased responsibility on other countries. With a humanitarian crisis affecting 16.7 million, international aid remains critical for Syria’s recovery.
The recent donors’ conference in Brussels resulted in pledges amounting to 5.8 billion euros in aid for Syria, a decrease from the previous year’s commitment of 7.5 billion euros. The conference, attended for the first time by Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, highlighted the ongoing struggle for stability in the war-torn region, exacerbated by a significant reduction in U.S. funding due to budget cuts under the Trump administration.
The European Union pledged a commitment of nearly 2.5 billion euros (approximately $2.7 billion) for both this year and the next, as stated by Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission. This included substantial individual contributions, such as $330 million from Germany and $210 million from Britain. However, the U.S. offered no specific commitments during the conference, emphasizing the need for other nations to assume greater financial responsibilities.
Syria’s new leadership, led by former Islamist commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, has called for the lifting of sanctions to facilitate recovery. Al-Shibani acknowledged the EU’s recent easing of sanctions but expressed the need for more ambitious measures to aid the country’s resurgence. The humanitarian situation in Syria remains alarming, with approximately 16.7 million individuals requiring assistance due to the pervasive destruction and economic decline caused by over a decade of civil war.
The International Committee of the Red Cross underscored the importance of continued humanitarian support to prevent exacerbating the crisis. While the EU’s annual donor initiatives have primarily focused on refugees, the pressing situation within Syria’s borders demands urgent attention and sustained international aid efforts to foster recovery and stability in the region.
In summary, the international response to Syria’s needs has fallen short compared to previous years. The decline in U.S. support and the ongoing humanitarian crisis necessitate a concerted effort from the global community to improve conditions for the Syrian populace, affirming that the provision of humanitarian aid is essential as recovery remains a distant goal.
The recent pledges at the donors’ conference indicate a concerning decline in international support for Syria, highlighting the urgent need for increased financing and humanitarian aid. Despite a commitment from the EU, the significant reduction in U.S. aid emphasizes the necessity for a collective approach among nations to address the dire humanitarian crisis and foster recovery. The continued support is crucial as Syria seeks to rebuild amidst ongoing violence and economic challenges.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
