Switzerland supports future of Syria and neighbouring countries with CHF 60 million
Bern, 27.05.2024 - The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
With this contribution, Switzerland is supporting the population of Syria and neighbouring countries, and continuing its long-standing commitment. In Syria, aid is provided to people in need, regardless of which side of the conflict line they live on. The support includes aid provided by multilateral and bilateral partners, as well as projects and specialist missions carried out by Switzerland.
The 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region is organised by the EU and reaffirms the international community's support for the Syrian people and the countries of the region, as well as efforts towards a UN-brokered political solution to the conflict.
Humanitarian aid remains crucial
The number of Syrians in need of humanitarian aid has risen from 11 million in 2020 to 16.7 million in 2024, which equates to almost three quarters of the total population. More than 7.2 million people have been forcibly displaced within the country. The situation was further exacerbated by a series of devastating earthquakes in February 2023. The neighbouring countries of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey have taken in over 5 million Syrian refugees and are also dependent on support. The most pressing problems are the supply of food and water, as well as the lack of educational opportunities, healthcare, accommodation and sanitary facilities.
Switzerland provides emergency aid, works to protect the civilian population and strengthens their resilience with long-term aid. It focuses on the areas of protection and migration, education and income, and water and sanitation.
Comprehensive commitment by Switzerland
At the conference in Brussels, Switzerland expressed its concern about the continuing deterioration in the humanitarian situation and underscored the increasing importance of a political solution to the conflict. It is particularly active in this regard as the host of the UN peace process in Geneva, through the involvement of civil society, and as an elected member of the UN Security Council. Furthermore, as part of its peace policy, Switzerland is committed to clarifying the fate of detained and missing persons in Syria. It therefore welcomes the establishment of the new independent institution for missing persons in Syria, based in Geneva. In addition, it is committed to upholding and promoting international humanitarian law and human rights, and to fighting impunity.
Switzerland is also monitoring the humanitarian situation in Syria in the UN Security Council, where it is penholder for this dossier.
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