Donors pledged €5.8 billion for Syria at a Brussels conference, a decline from last year’s €7.5 billion. The U.S. reduced its support, influencing contributions from other nations. Syrian leadership, represented for the first time, stressed the need for greater assistance amid ongoing violence. Humanitarian aid remains critical as over 16 million Syrians require support.
On Monday, during an aid conference in Brussels, international donors pledged €5.8 billion (approximately $6.3 billion) to support Syria, recognizing a decrease from the €7.5 billion committed the previous year. This notable decline is attributed to reduced funding from the United States, who historically has provided significant support to the nation shaped by 14 years of civil conflict, leading to substantial refugee outflows.
The conference marked a significant development as, for the first time, Syrian authorities were represented by interim foreign minister Assaad al-Shibani. The ongoing unrest in Syria, highlighted by violent episodes, has severely impacted the political landscape and public confidence in the Islamist-led authorities. The EU’s contribution includes €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in loans, amidst an increased commitment from Brussels of nearly €2.5 billion for the current year and the next.
Despite these pledges, the representative from the U.S. did not confirm any new funds and emphasized that other nations must increase their financial contributions. The United States has historically been the largest donor, committing over $18.3 billion to Syrian aid, according to representative Natasha Franceschi. The need for additional support and cooperation from the international community remains a pressing issue given the current humanitarian crisis affecting over 16 million people in Syria.
Syria’s new leadership, under former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, is seeking international assistance to facilitate recovery. Al-Shibani expressed gratitude for the European Union’s sanctions adjustments but emphasized that these had yet to meet Syrian expectations for recovery support. Despite promising movements toward a transitional government and improved civil rights, recent violence against civilians has shaken hopes for a stable future.
The annual EU donor drive has primarily provided assistance for Syrian refugees, largely avoiding direct engagement with Assad’s regime. Many areas within Syria are devastated, and its economy continues to suffer from years of isolation following the government’s crackdown on dissent which birthed the civil war.
Concerns about the implications of withdrawing aid are prevalent. Mirjana Spoljaric from the International Committee of the Red Cross stated that ceasing humanitarian assistance now would exacerbate suffering and hinder recovery efforts in Syria, predicting that the country would take over 50 years to reach pre-war economic levels if current growth rates persist.
In conclusion, the recent donor conference in Brussels highlights the critical financial commitments from international donors toward aiding Syria amid ongoing civil conflict and humanitarian crises. While the EU’s pledges reflect a commitment to support both the displaced populace and facilitate recovery efforts, the decline in contributions compared to the previous year raises concerns, particularly in light of reduced U.S. funding. Furthermore, the recent violence underscores the challenges facing new authorities in establishing stability and justice. Continued international aid is essential to alleviate the suffering of millions and assist Syria towards a path of recovery.
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