Donors Commit €5.8 Billion for Syrian Aid Amid Ongoing Crisis

At the recent Brussels IX Conference, donors pledged €5.8 billion in aid for Syria, marking a decrease from last year’s €7.5 billion. The EU expressed commitment to increase its support, but U.S. funding cuts have raised concerns. Syria’s leaders are seeking relief from sanctions to aid recovery amid ongoing violence and a significant humanitarian crisis.

During the Brussels IX Conference, international donors pledged €5.8 billion (approximately $6.3 billion) in aid for Syria; however, this amount represents a decline from the €7.5 billion committed last year. The European Union (EU) has emphasized its commitment, proposing to allocate nearly €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) in support for Syria and its neighboring countries. This year marks the first time Syrian officials participated in the conference, with Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in attendance.

The ongoing conflicts and violence in Syria have unsettled the population and undermined confidence in the transitional authorities. Significant financial contributions came from individual nations, notably $330 million from Germany and $210 million from the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, the impact of the U.S. reduction in aid remains evident, with U.S. representative Natasha Franceschi calling for increased contributions from other countries while noting that the U.S. has historically been the largest donor, providing over $18.3 billion.

Syria’s new leadership, aspiring to stabilize the nation, has continuously requested relief from sanctions to facilitate recovery. Assaad al-Shibani expressed appreciation for the EU’s measures but indicated that the efforts did not meet their expectations for substantial recovery assistance. Despite some positive developments, including constitutional reforms, skepticism remains due to recent escalated violence resulting in significant civilian casualties.

The dire humanitarian crisis persists, with about 16.7 million people requiring assistance, exacerbated by years of civil war and international isolation that devastated the economy. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned against withdrawing support at this crucial juncture, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid for millions of Syrians. According to the United Nations, Syria would need over 50 years to return to its pre-war economic conditions at the current growth rate.

In summary, the recent donor conference in Brussels saw a decrease in pledges for Syrian aid, highlighting the challenges faced by the country amid ongoing violence and reduced U.S. support. While Europe aims to increase its contributions, the need for comprehensive assistance remains critical due to the humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Collaborative international efforts are essential to support Syria’s recovery and facilitate the transition towards stability.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com