US humanitarian aid reaching Syria

The situation in Syria has become critical. Yesterday the International Red Cross declared a civil war in Syria. In essence that means that those committing crimes against humanity can be tried as war criminals. The past few days have been particularly deadly.

The United Nations estimates that approximately 1.5 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Many Syrians had to flee their homes and it is estimated that the ongoing violence has displaced 300,000 - 500,000 people.

According to the State Department U.S. aid continues to reach through contributions to international and non-governmental agencies.

The State Department has issued a fact sheet, which breaks down the contributions:

• $27.5 million to the World Food Program (WFP);
• $15.1 million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
• $8.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);
• $8 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC);
• $3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA);
• $750,000 to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF);
• $500,000 to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and
• $300,000 to the UN Department of Safety and Security for support of humanitarian operations.

While the world still tries to find a solution to the problem in Syria, at least agencies like the International Red Cross are providing assistance within limitations.

US State Department Fact Sheet on Aid to Syria