Syria: Humanitarian crisis - Press Conference | United Nations

David Carden, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis on the humanitarian situation in Syria. ------------------------------ The Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, David Carden, said, “This is the time to invest in Syria, as the country is in a pivotal stage of transition, to help shape the most self-reliant future for its people and to support safe and dignified returns.” The Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator today (21 Apr) briefed the reporters on the humanitarian situation in Syria via video link. He said, “Today we have a new Syria. One that's brimming with hope and opportunity.” “While the levels of conflict have subsided in many parts of the country, the humanitarian crisis in Syria is far from over,” Carden said. He explained, “More than 16 million people today in need of aid. That is seven out of every ten Syrians. The majority of whom are women and children. Over 40 percent of the needs are concentrated in Idlib and Aleppo. And whilst we have seen a gradual increase in returnees this year, Syria does remain one of the world's largest displacement crises, with seven million people displaced after ten years.” The Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator highlighted that the UN and its partners are doing whatever they can with the resources available, expressing deeply alarm by the lack of funding, “which has already led to the suspension of water and sanitation services in camps, safe spaces for women and girls and other humanitarian activities across Syria,” he said. According to his office, to date, the humanitarian community has secured $179 million, less than 9 percent the $2 billion needed to help the most vulnerable until the end of June this year. Carden also said, “We sincerely hope that the humanitarian phase will be as short as possible, so we can move towards recovery and reconstruction. And in that context, see the further easing of sanctioned.” The position of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis will be officially abolished as of Tuesday (22 Apr). This is part of the UN's transition efforts in a new Syria, with the aim of streamlining the coordinated response under the leadership of Damascus. Carden said, “The discontinuation of my post. I hope it also reflects Syria's trajectory towards a brighter and more stable future. The most vulnerable people in Syria deserve no less and I wish them all the very best.”


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