UN launches $397 million humanitarian appeal for Syria

NEW YORK, Feb,14, (ST)- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday announced launching a $397 million humanitarian appeal to aid the people affected by the earthquake that hit Syria, to help secure “desperately needed” relief for nearly 5 million people.

Guterres told reporters outside the Security Council in New York that aid “must get through from all sides” and the funding would cover an initial period of three months, UN website reported.

“The Syria effort brings together the entire UN system and humanitarian partners and will help secure desperately needed, life-saving relief for nearly 5 million Syrians – including shelter, healthcare, food and protection.”

“We all know that lifesaving aid has not been getting in at the speed and scale needed”, the UN chief said, with millions of people “struggling for survival, homeless and in freezing temperatures.”

He called on all Member States, and others in the donor community to fully fund this effort without delay and help the millions of children, women and men whose lives have been upended by this generational disaster.

“This is a moment for unity, for common humanity and concerted action,” according to Guterres.

Basma Qaddour