Press Statement
Salem Al Meslet
Syrian Coalition Spokesperson
July 09, 2015
Following today’s UNHCR announcement stating there are now more than four million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries, spokesperson of the Syrian Coalition said:
“What is happening in Syria represents the world’s worst humanitarian disaster in a century. The UNHCR states that the figures provided only account for registered refugees, not all. The actual numbers of Syrians who have left their homes to find refuge in neighbouring countries and Europe is much higher. Furthermore, the UN agency expects the figure to reach an alarming 4.27 million by the end of this year.
“More concerning is that only a quarter of the $5.5 billion needed to cover the UN humanitarian effort to support Syrian refugees in the region for 2015 is currently met. It is essential that donor countries deliver on their promises to provide funds needed for the UN to sustain its aid support to refugees but also to neighbouring countries as they strive to accommodate the needs of an ever growing refugee population.
“The international community can and should do more to help the Syrian refugees situation, including devising new mechanisms to take in more refugees, thereby deflecting pressure from hosting countries in the region.
“The international community also needs to put intense pressure on Assad’s patrons to engage seriously in finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Only an end to the conflict will make it possible for refugees to come back to rebuild their homes and lives and be part of a post-Assad democratic and inclusive Syria.”
