WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States announced today nearly $419 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help those affected by the conflict in Syria. With this new funding, total U.S. humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis is now more than $4.5 billion.

 

The United States remains the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, having provided urgently needed relief supplies and other life-saving assistance across all 14 Governorates of Syria, to Syrian refugees, and the communities that host them in neighboring countries.

 

More than half of Syria's population - 12.2 million people - is in need of humanitarian assistance. This new funding supports the operations of the United Nations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as well as other international and non-governmental organizations. It provides medical care - including support to vaccination campaigns to help stem the spread of polio and measles-safe drinking water, food and much-needed shelter to help people affected by the conflict. It also aids governments and communities throughout the region that are straining to cope with the mass influx of refugees from Syria. With winter fast approaching, this new assistance also provides much-needed relief items such as warm blankets, mattresses, and winter coats to help Syrians cope with the upcoming harsh weather.

 

The Syrian crisis grows increasingly dire every day. The United States remains committed to assisting those affected by this terrible war and urges all governments, organizations, and individuals to support the life-saving aid efforts of organizations working on the ground. Individuals and organizations looking to support the humanitarian response to Syria can make a contribution by visiting https://www.usaid.gov/crisis/syria.