The conflict in Syria has persisted now for more than two years and has created a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions. There are in excess of 6.8 million Syrians requiring immediate assistance inside the country, over 4million of whom have been internally displaced. Widespread and indiscriminate violence has resulted in an estimated 80,000 deaths and has forced whole communities to flee for sanctuary in neighbouring countries, including Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon. Many thousands more are gathering in border areas inside Syria planning risky crossings as the civil war continues to claim more lives. The latest figures from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, indicate that almost 1.5 million refugees have now been forced to leave Syria, almost half of whom are children. As the influx continues, Governments and host populations across the region are facing serious strains on their health and education systems, housing and other services. Over three quarters of all refugees are living amongst host communities and the continuing ability of these communities to support new arrivals is limited. My own visit to al-Zaatari refugee camp in northern Jordan in 2012 and the Tánaiste’s visit to Nizip refugee camp in southern Turkey in April this year highlighted the extent of the humanitarian challenge and the dangers posed to international peace and security by this continuing crisis.
As the Deputy notes, the unfolding conflict has the potential to have a significant impact on the situation in Lebanon, as a neighbouring country with close links to Syria and a history of political instability and conflict. The EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 22 April, which the Tánaiste attended, looked at how the EU could enhance its support to Lebanon in order to avoid its fragile stability being further undermined. Together with our European partners, we will continue to support Prime Minister Salam and his Government as they respond to the refugee influx and work
to prevent sectarian violence and civil conflict being triggered in Lebanon as a result of the Syrian situation.
Ireland has responded generously to the crisis in Syria and its neighbouring countries, and to date has provided over €8.15 million in assistance through partners such as WFP, UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). A significant proportion of this support has also been allocated to the UNHCR which is leading the international response to the refugee crisis through the Regional Refugee Response Plan. However, this UN supported plan has only received approximately 55% of the US$1 billion requested to meet the needs of the burgeoning refugee population. It is somewhat disappointing that commitments made by the international community to assist these vulnerable groups remain unfulfilled and we are doing all we can to ensure that other States follow our example in meeting such promises in full and without delay.
The Government will remain in close contact with its Embassies in the region, UN agencies and NGO partners on the ground to closely monitor the ongoing situation in Syria and its neighbouring countries. We stand ready to consider further support in light of our own resources and in consultation with our partners on the ground. We will remain fully supportive of all efforts to promote the earliest possible political settlement, and of efforts to ensure full accountability for the many war crimes and human rights violations committed since the conflict erupted.
