Brussels, 23/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - Meeting words with deeds, the European Union has decided to double its emergency humanitarian aid to the populations falling victim to the escalating violence in Syria. On Monday 23 July, the European Commission announced an additional €20 million, on the same day that the EU foreign ministers, concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and infringements of humanitarian law, stated the EU's willingness to provide additional aid - also to help the neighbouring countries (Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq) to welcome a growing number of Syrian refugees.
“We are continuing to provide our aid to the neighbouring countries which are suffering the impact of this crisis in terms of security and stability. The Commission has announced the doubling of aid to the most vulnerable populations inside and outside Syria, which will bring the total level of Commission aid to €63 million. The contribution of the member states so far has been €27.5 million in humanitarian aid”, said Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, speaking after the Foreign Affairs Council.
The latest funds made available will pay for the provision of food rations, access to drinking and cleansing water, shelter, assistance and medical equipment as well as psychological support to some 1.5 million people in the country and to the refugee populations.
“Once again, I call on all parties in the strongest possible terms to protect the civilian populations. Shots fired at ambulances and humanitarian workers must cease”, said Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response. The aid will be channelled via the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
Before the start of the ministerial session, a number of member states (Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Sweden) pleaded in favour of an increase in humanitarian effort. “We were most insistent that the EU take two decisions: the reinforcement of sanctions and humanitarian aid, because the EU must make its position clear, and has started to do so, but it must do so more forcefully”, said French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius. Carl Bildt, the Swedish minister, stressed that “humanitarian issues must not be neglected. Many people are suffering, and there will be more”. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “We must step up our humanitarian support to people seeking refuge beyond the borders”. (AN/transl.fl)