Geneva, January 31, 2014. At the closing of the Geneva II talks, CARE remains deeply concerned about the plight of over ten million Syrians that are in need of humanitarian aid, both within Syria and the region. CARE acknowledges the fact that the two opposing sides came together at the discussion table, but is disappointed at the lack of progress made on securing humanitarian access to people in need. CARE welcomes that further talks are currently scheduled to take place in ten days and urge all involved to seek further progress to improve the humanitarian situation and take forward discussions to reach a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“The plight of millions of Syrians must be seen as a catalyst to find a resolution to the conflict. Every day that passes without a peace settlement, more vulnerable people are pushed deeper into hunger and poverty. We must ensure that everyone continues to push for an end to the suffering of millions of ordinary Syrians who have lived in misery far too long,” says Gareth Richards, CARE’s Director for the Regional Syria Emergency Response.
Within Syria, more than six million people have been displaced from their homes. Accessing those in need is increasingly difficult. The international community must therefore do everything in its power to halt armed conflict and enable unhindered humanitarian access.
In addition to those in crisis within Syria, more than 2.4 million refugees have officially registered with the UN, with unofficial numbers estimating totals around 4.5 million.
According to latest UN estimates, the number of people in need of humanitarian aid both within Syria and the region exceeds ten million.
“Every day brings more death and, more communities are torn apart. The millions affected by this humanitarian crisis, the worst in decades, will continue paying a heavy price until progress is made,” says Richards.
Find out more about our emergency response to Syrian refugees here.
About CARE:
Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and providing lifesaving assistance in emergencies. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor girls and women because, equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to help lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty.
Since the beginning of the Syria Crisis, CARE Jordan has supported more than 160,000 refugees with cash assistance to pay for basic living costs, assisted with vital information on how they can access further health, legal and social support and has provided psychosocial assistance to women, men and children. In Lebanon, CARE meets refugees’ most basic and pressing needs, mainly providing water, sanitation and shelter. In addition, CARE helps refugee families in Jordan and Lebanon to prepare and cope with the cold winter, distributing cash, heaters, fuel vouchers and blankets.