The Norwegian Government is providing an additional NOK 51 million (4.8 million EUR) to support humanitarian efforts to help the Syrian population, which is in dire need of assistance. According to a statement by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released Thursday, the additional allocation will bring Norway’s funding for life-saving assistance in Syria in 2022 to approximately NOK 750 million (71 million EUR).
According to UN estimates, some 6.9 million Syrians are internally displaced, and out of a population of 21.6 million, 14.6 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. A cholera outbreak has spread across many parts of the country, and winter is just around the corner. As of November 2022, there have been more than 35,500 suspected cases of cholera across Syria.
Many of those forced to flee their homes are still living in tents and have been displaced for many years. The situation is particularly grave in the rebel-controlled areas in northwestern Syria, where the people are dependent on deliveries of food, medicines, and other assistance from across the border with Turkey.
"The Syrian people are facing another difficult winter. After 11 years of conflict, the situation for millions of Syrians is becoming increasingly critical. Norway will continue to help those in need of assistance and protection," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
According to the foreign ministry, the additional funds have been channeled through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), United Nations humanitarian funds, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Norwegian Church Aid and the Norwegian Red Cross.
"The funding provided by Norway will enable humanitarian organizations to target their efforts to where they are most needed. This includes trying to slow down the ongoing cholera outbreak. The organizations can use the funds for early recovery activities, such as essential maintenance and rebuilding of critical infrastructure. The funding will be used to support efforts throughout Syria, in both government- and opposition-controlled areas,” Ms. Huitfeldt said
Norway is one of the largest global donors of humanitarian aid and one of the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to Syria. In 2022, Norway will provide a total of NOK 1.5 billion (142 million EUR) to support humanitarian and stabilization efforts in Syria and its neighboring countries, which have also been severely affected by the conflict in Syria.
The Syrian conflict is one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises worldwide. The crisis continues to cause tremendous human suffering to people both inside and outside the country. The United Nations have appealed for 4,44 billion US Dollar in funding for the Syria crisis this year. As of November 2022, only 1,89 billion have been received from donors (43% coverage).
Further information
Full text: Norway increases humanitarian support to Syria, press release by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published November 17, 2022
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/syria_humanitarian_support/id2947434/