World Humanitarian Day

Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

August 19, 2013

On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, the Syrian Coalition would like to express its appreciation for the efforts of aid workers around the world - particularly those working with Syrians. Humanitarian needs are rising sharply as the Assad regime continues to attempt to break the will of the free Syrian people.

It is also important to recognise donor countries and organizations whose contribution enables aid workers to deliver assistance to countless innocent Syrians and others across the world.

The situation in Syria is the worst humanitarian disaster so far this century. More than 2 million Syrians have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries. About 75 percent of those registered with UNHCR are women and children. While more than 8.6 million people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

In its efforts to alleviate suffering, the Syrian Coalition’s Assistance Coordination Unit (ACU) has managed to provide hundreds of tonnes of wheat to refugee camps and localities across Syria. ACU has also worked with different countries and organizations to deliver medical assistance, material aid, and assistance in kind to a large number of internally displaced families and families in refugee camps. It has also provided support to administrative bodies in provinces across Syria.

President of the Coalition Mr Ahmad Al Jarba has sent a letter of thanks to aid workers who are risking their lives to assist their fellow human beings. Al Jarba said; “The best kind of assistance the Syrian people can receive is help removing Assad’s regime.”

The Syrian Coalition calls upon Friends of Syria to act decisively to put pressure on the United Nations Security Council to fulfil its duties to maintain international peace and security by supporting the Syrian people in their struggle against the regime.