International donors committed €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) at the Brussels conference for Syrian aid, a decrease from last year’s €7.5 billion. The European Union led contributions, with notable amounts from Germany and the UK. US representative Natasha Franceschi urged greater responsibility from other nations, while for the first time, Syria’s transitional government participated, advocating for increased aid and sanctions relief.
At the recent Brussels conference, international donors pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) in aid for Syria; however, this amount marked a decline compared to the previous year’s commitments. This ninth edition of the conference, themed “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition,” was highlighted by contributions from the European Union, which offered nearly €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) to assist Syrians both within the country and in neighboring regions.
Noteworthy contributions came from Germany and the United Kingdom, donating $330 million and $210 million, respectively. Despite these pledges, overall commitments decreased from the €7.5 billion promised at last year’s gathering, reflecting a concerning trend in funding availability.
During the conference, US representative Natasha Franceschi refrained from announcing any new American funding but emphasized the need for increased contributions from other nations. She noted, “During the last 14 years, the United States has provided more assistance for the Syrian people than any other nation, more than $18.3 billion,” while expecting greater financial responsibility from other countries moving forward.
This year’s conference was significant as for the first time, Syria’s transitional government participated. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani called upon donors to enhance their aid and reconsider existing sanctions that hinder assistance to those in need.
The Brussels conference reflected a crucial moment for international aid to Syria, showing a significant commitment of €5.8 billion from donors. Nonetheless, the decline in overall donations, particularly from the US, raises concerns regarding future support. The participation of Syria’s transitional government highlights an evolving dialogue on aid distribution and governance, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts among nations to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: shafaq.com
