Press Statement
Syrian Coalition
Istanbul, Turkey
December 17, 2013
The Syrian Coalition welcomes the United Nations’ $6.5 billion appeal announced on Monday. The appeal is designed to provide vital support to agencies helping civilians survive deteriorating conditions inside and outside the country.
The appeal, the largest launched by the United Nations in response to a single humanitarian crisis, was announced as Syrian refugees endure one of the harshest winters in the region in a century.
“The scale of the appeal reflects the scale of the suffering. We highly value the UN commitment to easing the suffering of millions of Syrians. The suffering, however, increases as the regime continues its policy of imposing collective punishment on civilians,” said Badr Jamous, the Syrian Coalition’s Secretary General.
The Coalition’s aid arm, the Assistance Coordination Unit (ACU), stands ready to work with the United Nations and NGOs to facilitate the delivery of aid to those in need. However, millions in the most dire need remain trapped in areas under siege from regime forces and militia with no fuel, food, or medicine.
“Saving lives will ultimately depend on the regime’s willingness to allow the support the United Nations is gathering to reach civilians,” added Mr. Jamous.
The Syrian Coalition is committed to a political process that leads to the removal of the Assad regime – which is the only long-term fundamental solution to the suffering of the Syrian people.
