German Government steps up humanitarian aid for Syrians in need

In the wake of the latest horrific events, the number of displaced persons in need of assistance has risen yet again. That's why the German Government has allocated a further sum of approx. 2.1 million euros for humanitarian assistance for people in Syria, bringing the total to 7.9 million euros to date.

#### As violence in Syria continues and the humanitarian situation steadily deteriorates, the German Government has allocated a further sum of approx. 2.1 million euros for humanitarian assistance for people in Syria, bringing the total to 7.9 million euros to date.

Speaking today (7 June) in Istanbul, Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle commented as follows in this connection:

> “Everything possible must be done to alleviate the plight of those suffering from the escalating violence Assad has unleashed. The Syrian regime remains duty-bound to provide immediate, comprehensive and unrestricted humanitarian access to the population there.”

The new funds are primarily intended to benefit displaced persons. Especially in the wake of the horrific events in Houla, the number of displaced persons in need of assistance has risen yet again. It is also planned to improve the logistics and coordination of the humanitarian effort in Syria.

Since the start of the current acute crisis in Syria the German Government has been pressing for systematic international coordination of the relief effort. To this end it is playing an active part in the Syria Humanitarian Forum, which met this week for the fourth time in Geneva.