“Global humanitarian aid is being affected by a severe lack of funding, and it’s displaced communities who will bear the brunt,” said Trudi Mitchell, CEO of Australia for UNHCR.
“Syria continues to face critical humanitarian needs, and without an urgent injection of funds, the delivery of basic life-saving aid is at risk.”
Over the past week, violence has surged across the Syrian provinces of Latakia, Tartous, Homs and Hama, with reports of more than 1,000 people killed and thousands forced to flee their homes.
This new wave of violence has displaced up to 10,000 people and comes at a critical time for humanitarian operations. With reduced funding for humanitarian agencies including UNHCR, refugee families worldwide face losing food, shelter, and medical care.
Without immediate support, up to 75,000 displaced Syrians will go without emergency shelter, and 1.5 million people will be deprived of survival essentials such as blankets, winter clothing and other basic supplies.
“This is not just a crisis of conflict – it is a crisis of resources,” said Ms Mitchell. “The people of Syria have endured more than a decade of suffering. They should not now be forced to go without the most basic necessities because of funding shortfalls.”
“As conflict and displacement continue to rise globally, efforts to support displaced people are being severely hampered by a lack of funding. We are calling on Australians to help bridge the gap.”
While the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 brought a moment of hope for many Syrians, recent events underscore just how fragile the situation remains. With funding stretched thin across global emergencies, aid agencies are being forced to make impossible choices about where and how to deliver aid.
Australia for UNHCR is urging Australians to show their solidarity and help ensure displaced families are not left without support in their moment of greatest need.
Click here to donate to UNHCR’s Syria response.
To arrange an interview, please contact:
Kelsey Taylor, Senior Media & Communications Manager, Australia for UNHCR | [email protected] | +61 450 322 320