Statement by Kathryn Achilles, Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) Head of Advocacy for the Middle East and North Africa, following the Ninth Brussels Conference:
“The financial pledges made at today’s Brussels Conference are a demonstration of global solidarity for the Syrian people. While we welcome the international community’s shared commitment to helping Syrians create a safer and more stable future for themselves, it is important to remember that the needs are immense. Today’s pledges have to be a starting point for continued support.
“It is vital that funds committed are released immediately. We need to see the money used not only to respond to urgent needs but also to assist Syrian communities in their transition into long-term recovery, enabling people to rely on their own skills and talents as they forge their path forward. Every day in our work, we witness inspiring examples of this: young people launching their own businesses and children striving to learn.
“Addressing the drivers of Syria’s humanitarian crisis must now begin with restoring basic services such as electricity and water; and supporting the reintegration and legal rights of refugees and displaced people who are returning home. Failure to do so threatens to exacerbate the already soaring humanitarian needs in Syria and the wider region.
“NRC remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Syrians everywhere. We call on donors to continue to support Syria and neighbouring host countries to ensure the protection of refugee and displaced populations and allow them to make free and informed decisions about their future.”
Notes to editors:
- The Ninth Brussels Conference has announced a total of 5.8 billion Euros in grants and loans and for Syria and neighbouring countries. This compares to 7.5 billion Euros pledged in 2024.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
-
NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
-
Ahmed Bayram, Middle East and North Africa regional media advisor: ahmed.bayram@nrc.no, +962 790 160 147
“The financial pledges made at today’s Brussels Conference are a demonstration of global solidarity for the Syrian people. While we welcome the international community’s shared commitment to helping Syrians create a safer and more stable future for themselves, it is important to remember that the needs are immense. Today’s pledges have to be a starting point for continued support.
“It is vital that funds committed are released immediately. We need to see the money used not only to respond to urgent needs but also to assist Syrian communities in their transition into long-term recovery, enabling people to rely on their own skills and talents as they forge their path forward. Every day in our work, we witness inspiring examples of this: young people launching their own businesses and children striving to learn.
“Addressing the drivers of Syria’s humanitarian crisis must now begin with restoring basic services such as electricity and water; and supporting the reintegration and legal rights of refugees and displaced people who are returning home. Failure to do so threatens to exacerbate the already soaring humanitarian needs in Syria and the wider region.
“NRC remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Syrians everywhere. We call on donors to continue to support Syria and neighbouring host countries to ensure the protection of refugee and displaced populations and allow them to make free and informed decisions about their future.”
Notes to editors:
- The Ninth Brussels Conference has announced a total of 5.8 billion Euros in grants and loans and for Syria and neighbouring countries. This compares to 7.5 billion Euros pledged in 2024.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
-
NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
-
Ahmed Bayram, Middle East and North Africa regional media advisor: ahmed.bayram@nrc.no, +962 790 160 147