Europe is doubling its humanitarian aid in Syria. Critical situation

(BRUSSELS2) Humanitarian aid to Syria will be doubled, the European Commission announced on Thursday (28 July). in order to meet the basic needs of the Syrian population: +20 million euros. " This is the most concrete expression of our solidarity with the Syrian peopleexplains the Commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid and civil protection, the Bulgarian Kristalina Georgieva. Since the beginning of the conflict, 63 million have been paid.

A European presence limited to Damascus

Only one European humanitarian official is, for the moment, posted in Damascus. And the EU is trying somehow to send more. But it seems to come up against a government veto. Five European embassies are also still open, and they have been throughout this weekend during the clashes in Damascus. There would also remain, according to the Commission, between 20 and 000 European passport holders on Syrian soil, a number of whom hold dual nationality. But identifying the various European citizens still on the spot remains a task “ difficult “, we recognize at the Commission.

Protection of the Red Cross and opening of borders to other NGOs

European aid is now transferred to humanitarian organizations, mainly the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations Agency for Refugees (UNHCR) which are best able to bring it where it is needed. necessary. And that's where the shoe pinches, these organizations themselves lack protection. the European Union, through Mrs Georgieva, calls "all actors to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers. Shooting at ambulances and targeting aid workers must end". Assistance is all the more necessary since, for the injured, calling on state infrastructures means taking a risk.

The difficult situation of displaced persons and refugees...

It is estimated that 1,5 million people, both inside the country and in refugee camps in neighboring countries, are in a more than precarious situation. Another concern is the conditions in the refugee camps at the borders. The situation of Iraqi refugees (about 87) and Palestinians (000) present on Syrian soil is also a source of concern, the first to be affected by inflation and shortages of basic necessities. The Commission has decided to allocate a new sum of EUR 500 million to support the Iraqi community. Even if Turkey - which decided to ban the entry of its nationals into Syria on Wednesday for security reasons - assured that it will still let Syrians fleeing the violence pass.