InterAction Applauds New U.S. Humanitarian Assistance for Syrian Refugees

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Monday, September 21, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest announced that the United States will give an additional $419 million in humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees. Speaking in response, InterAction President and CEO Sam Worthington said:

"InterAction members have been working on the ground to bring relief and medical assistance to communities in need since the start of the Syrian civil war.

"The White House's pledge to provide an additional $419 million in humanitarian assistance will aid millions of Syrian families fleeing oppressive, unsafe and deplorable conditions. This step should be applauded and is part our nation's best traditions.

"But more must be done. We must continue to invest in programs for refugees and displaced populations both within Syria and throughout the Middle East. We must take an active leadership role and build the needed international diplomatic pressure to bring this tragic conflict to a close. And all parties to the conflict in Syria must immediately allow unfettered humanitarian access throughout the country."

BACKGROUND
The crisis in Syria, now in its fifth year, remains the greatest humanitarian emergency of our day. The United Nations estimates that 7.6 million people have been internally displaced by violence while almost 4.1 million people have fled their homes, schools and communities and are now registered as refugees in neighboring countries. UNHCR estimates that some 2,500 people have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

ONLINE RESOURCES

• See a list of InterAction members available for press comment and analysis on the Syrian refugee crisis.
• Explore a list of InterAction members responding the conflict in Syria.
• Read a recent report by InterAction and the International Committee of the Red Cross evaluating policy scenarios to assist at-risk civilians.

MORE ABOUT INTERACTION
InterAction is the largest alliance of international NGOs and partners in the United States focused on the world's poor and most vulnerable.

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SOURCE InterAction