Swedish Government increases humanitarian support to Syria by SEK 120 million
Published
The protracted conflict in Syria has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Two thirds of the population – around 17 million people – are considered in need of humanitarian support. The Government is therefore increasing its humanitarian support to Syria by a total of SEK 120 million, to be distributed between the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
“The humanitarian needs in Syria are enormous and the situation remains severe. The support package that the Government is announcing today aims to meet the urgent needs through SEK 80 million to UNHCR, which helps provide access to essential items such as food and water, and facilitates Syrian refugees’ return to their homes when the conditions allow. We’re also earmarking SEK 20 million to UNDP to support its efforts in mine clearance, accommodation and access to basic social services for returnees. Moreover, we’re providing SEK 20 million to the ICRC, which contributes to the important work by reuniting families and keeping documentation on missing people,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
In addition to substantial core support to humanitarian actors operating in Syria – such as the UN World Food Programme (WFP), UNHCR and the ICRC – Sweden provided SEK 257 million in humanitarian assistance to alleviate suffering and distress among Syria’s civilian population in 2024.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 133 67 90
email to Linn Laurin
