In a significant show of support for the Syrian people, the UK government has announced a new package of humanitarian assistance worth £1.7 million to address the crisis caused by recent violence in southern Syria.
The aid package, which will be delivered through partnerships with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Medical Corps (IMC), and local Syrian organisations, aims to provide critical medical care, food, clean water, and essential support for pregnant women and new mothers. The UK government has also pledged to deploy 12 mobile medical teams to deliver urgent healthcare services to displaced people.
The recent escalation in violence in Suwayda, Dara'a, and rural Damascus has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Syrians and left thousands injured. Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer stated that the humanitarian situation is "awful" and continued access to aid is vital to ensure assistance reaches those who desperately need it.
The UK package of support will provide urgently needed healthcare, medicines, food, and clean water to those displaced by the recent violence. This follows a recent announcement by the Foreign Secretary of £94.5 million in urgent humanitarian aid for Syrians, support for Syria's longer-term recovery through education and livelihoods, and support for countries hosting Syrian refugees.
The UK government has provided £4.5 billion of assistance to Syria and countries in the region since 2011, as part of its commitment to ensuring regional and global security underpinned by the Plan for Change.
The £1.7 million announced today is drawn from part of the existing budget to support humanitarian needs across Syria. The aid package will include:
Deployment of 12 mobile medical teams to deliver urgent healthcare services
Provision of urgent medical supplies, including equipment for trauma and emergency assessments
Support for blood bank services
Essential support for pregnant women and new mothers, including ante and post-natal care, sanitary supplies, safe deliveries, and protection from violence against vulnerable women and girls
The UK's decision to provide this vital humanitarian assistance is a significant step towards supporting the Syrian people during a critical time. As the Foreign Secretary recently stated, "the UK remains committed to supporting an inclusive and representative political transition which protects the rights of all Syrians."
Conclusion
In light of the escalating violence in southern Syria, the UK government's decision to provide £1.7 million in humanitarian assistance is a welcome relief for those affected by the crisis. The aid package, which includes critical medical care, food, clean water, and essential support for vulnerable groups, will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of Syrians displaced by recent violence.