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How the UK is responding to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and neighbouring countries, and how you can help
The crisis in Syria is gravely concerning. Hundreds of people are being killed or wounded every day and millions have been forced to flee.
The UK has committed £348 million to help those affected by the conflict. This is the UK’s largest ever response to a humanitarian crisis. It will provide support including food, medical care and relief items for over a million people including those affected by the fighting in Syria and to refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.
How you can help: Disasters Emergency Committee Syria Crisis Appeal
Responding to the launch of the DEC Syria Crisis Appeal, International Development Secretary, Justine Greening said:
“We welcome the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal to do more for people in desperate need. This conflict continues to cause appalling suffering. Over four million people in Syria are in urgent need of assistance and a million refugees need humanitarian support."
“The British Government has led the international response with medical help, food, shelter and clean water but more needs to be done. Other donors must honour their funding promises and it is time that all parties to the conflict allow humanitarian access to all areas of Syria.”
Donate to the DEC Syria Crisis Appeal
How the UK has helped
In Syria, UK aid has already delivered:
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over 600,000 food packages, which have fed over 120,000 people per month
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more than 147,000 medical consultations
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20,000 relief packages, including items such as blankets and warm clothing
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In neighbouring countries, British support is providing:
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clean drinking water for more than 45,000 refugees, and food for more than 21,000 per month
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education for around 1,000 children
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clinical care and counselling for nearly 13,000 refugees, including those who have experienced trauma or sexual assault
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The UK remains at the forefront of international efforts to support an effective response, led by the United Nations.
Views from the field
Philip Upson reports from Syrian refugee camps in Turkey where the onset of winter is making life harder for the tens of thousands who have fled the violence.
In pictures: How the UK is helping meet humanitarian needs in the region
Hear from our staff working on the ground to help coordinate UK aid Podcast: Our humanitarian adviser Liz Hughes in Jordan (Nov 2012)
Podcast: Aid expert Neil Barry reports from Syria’s border (Sept 2012)
Facts and stats
- 6.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria
- over 4.25 million people have been driven out of their homes by the fighting to other areas of Syria
- there are now over 1.3 million refugees in neighbouring countries
- there are bread shortages, electricity shortages, rising food prices and a fuel crisis
- total UK humanitarian funding committed to the response is £348 million to date
- our humanitarian assistance is provided through neutral and impartial agencies and is wholly separate from UK support for the opposition.
- all UK funding is going to humanitarian agencies with a proven ability to operate in Syria and neighbouring countries
Related links
18 June: Press release - Largest ever UK disaster response for Syria crisis