Saving Lives in the Syria Crisis
26/6/13
The humanitarian situation in Syria is appalling. Over 90,000 people have lost their lives in the violence. More than six million people, almost equivalent to the population on the island of Ireland, have been forced to abandon their homes. Many of these have left Syria altogether making the dangerous journey into neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. The numbers affected are increasing on a daily basis.
More than six million people, almost equivalent to the population on the island of Ireland, have been forced to abandon their homes.
Life for Syrian families suffering in this crisis is challenging and simply getting enough clean water or food can be a struggle. Children make up more than half of all refugees, with efforts ongoing to help them cope with what they have experienced.
In response to this worsening disaster, Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello recently announced an additional €1.65 million to support the millions requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.
The additional funding has been allocated to GOAL (€650,000), Oxfam (€500,000) and Concern (€500,000), all of whom are working on the ground to reach the most vulnerable with essential items for survival. In total, Ireland has provided €9.8 million in response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and neighbouring countries. See our table below for details, as of 20 June 2013:
