International donors pledged €5.8 billion at a Brussels conference for Syria, a decrease from €7.5 billion last year. U.S. aid seems to be diminishing, prompting calls for increased support from other nations. Key Syrian representatives attended, advocating for sanction relief to assist recovery amidst ongoing violence and a humanitarian crisis affecting 16.7 million people.
At a recent donors’ conference in Brussels, international leaders pledged a total of €5.8 billion in aid for Syria, a decrease from the previous year’s commitment of €7.5 billion. This funding aims to support Syria’s recovery following years of civil strife. The conference saw notable attendance from Syria’s interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, marking a shift in representation from Syrian authorities.
Despite the newly pledged funds, U.S. financial support appears to be dwindling, with U.S. representatives emphasizing the need for greater contributions from other nations while confirming ongoing assistance aligned with U.S. policies. Significant individual contributions were made, including €330 million from Germany and €210 million from Britain.
Syria’s changed leadership, represented by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, is advocating for the lifting of sanctions to facilitate recovery efforts. Al-Shibani expressed appreciation for some easing of these sanctions but emphasized the need for more robust actions from the international community. The humanitarian crisis remains critical, with an estimated 16.7 million people requiring assistance due to ongoing instability.
Humanitarian efforts for Syria have been a priority at the EU’s annual donor events for the past eight years, aimed mostly at supporting refugees. However, the destruction and economic decay due to a decade of war necessitate consistent international support.
In conclusion, while the recent donor pledges for Syria signify a continued commitment to aid, the decline from last year’s contributions highlights increasing challenges amidst geopolitical shifts. The new Syrian leadership seeks further international cooperation to facilitate recovery, but ongoing violence undermines confidence in the transition to stability. As humanitarian needs grow, consistent engagement and support will be crucial for restoring Syria’s future.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
