Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria - Concept Note

Background

The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Some 12.2 million people, including 7.6 million internally displaced people, are in urgent need of assistance. There are serious concerns about the situation of the 4.8 million people that live in hard-to-reach areas, particularly the 212,000 people who reside in communities that are besieged by either the Syrian Government or armed opposition forces. And there are ongoing serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws. In addition, there are more than 3.8 million refugees in neighbouring countries and North Africa, placing enormous strain on host governments and communities. While a political solution to this crisis is sought, efforts to protect civilians and deliver much-needed aid to people at risk must continue.

For the past two years the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has hosted the High-Level International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria attended by representatives from Member States, regional organisations, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations. The pledging conferences raised US$1.5 billion in 2013 and US$2.4 billion in 2014 from more than 40 donors. The Amir of Kuwait has generously agreed to host and open the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait City on 31 March. The Conference will be chaired by UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon.