23 million Euros for Syria. Europe releases emergency humanitarian aid

(BRUXELLES2) La Commission Européenne a en effet adopté, aujourd’hui (vendredi 8 juin), une décision permettant de débloquer une aide humanitaire de 23 millions d’euros « spéciale » pour venir en aide à la population syrienne. Objectif : assurer « a simple and rapid response to the most urgent needs of the Syrian population and Syrian refugees », as detailed to the press by the commissioner in charge of humanitarian aid, Kristalina Georgieva.

Meet the most urgent needs

« Basic products are expensive and access to basic services like education and health is becoming increasingly difficult she comments. The funds concerned by this "special measure" must therefore relate to these products and services. Support for the media, cultural activities and civil society are also among the areas targeted.

The problem of access to land

Funds will be directed to organizations already on the ground who “ have access to the most vulnerable populations », such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria, or the UN High Commission (UNHCR) for refugees in neighboring countries. According to the latest UN estimates, around 1 million people have been displaced by what must be called armed conflict, including more than 40 refugees. Although more than 000 humanitarian actors are present in Syria, most of the time, with the exception of the Red Cross, they are prevented from accessing the regions with the most vulnerable populations. Funds must therefore be paid to organizations considered neutral by the Bashir El Assad regime.

What about the military option to ensure security of supply?

The humanitarian community sees this as a solution “ last resort "," only when there is no other access possible » explained Kristalina Georgieva. She mentions the examples of Libya or Haiti where it was necessary and where “ it had to come to that. »