UN Launches $397m Appeal for Syria
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UN Launches $397m Appeal for Syria
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has launched a US$397 million humanitarian appeal to aid the people of Syria who were affected by the recent earthquake.
Guterres made the announcement during an interview with UN correspondents in New York on Tuesday.
The funding will be used to provide desperately needed relief for nearly five million people in the country, including shelter, healthcare, food, and protection. The appeal is expected to cover an initial period of three months.
Guterres also revealed that a similar appeal is being finalized for survivors across the border in Türkiye.
He noted that the UN system and humanitarian partners are working together to provide life-saving relief for Syrians affected by the earthquake.
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He further stressed that providing relief is the most effective way for countries to help the war-shattered country, which is still in the grip of a 12-year civil war.
The UN chief also pointed out that the need for aid is particularly urgent in the northwest border region, which is controlled by opposition fighters.
Many people living there have been displaced multiple times and are already in a state of humanitarian crisis.
Guterres called on the international community to fully fund this effort without delay and help the millions of children, women, and men whose lives have been upended by this generational disaster.
According to Guterres, emergency and search-and-rescue teams have been deployed to assess and prioritize urgent needs and to provide life-saving assistance following the devastating earthquake near the Türkiye-Syria border.
He emphasized that aid must get through from all sides, to all sides, through all routes without any restrictions.
Following Syria’s assurances on Monday, two extra crossings have been opened to allow more aid into the northwest.
Guterres appealed to all Member States and others in the donor community to support the relief efforts and provide much-needed assistance to the affected population.
He also called for unity, common humanity, and concerted action to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
When asked if a Security Council resolution was needed to cement the bilateral agreement between the United Nations and Syrian authorities, Guterres said that the crossings were already open, and movement was taking place.
