Written answers

Tuesday, 10 July 2018

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Syrian Conflict

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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160. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request Jordan and Israel to urgently provide safe haven to civilians fleeing military attack; his views on the creation of UN managed humanitarian corridors to facilitate the evacuation of civilians; if unilateral funding will be provided immediately for the creation of camps for potentially 750,000 persons fleeing the attacks; and if he will request that adequate EU funding is provided for same in the longer term. [30887/18]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply concerned about the recent upsurge in violence in south-western Syria, which has led to the displacement of over 300,000 people. This is a further deterioration of the terrible situation inside Syria, where over 13 million people require humanitarian assistance. An additional 5.6 million Syrians have fled to neighbouring countries and the wider region. Ireland recognises that countries in the region have more than played their part. Jordan as an example, is the second-largest refugee hosting country in the world when compared to the size of its population.

The safety and protection of civilians inside Syria is an utmost priority and I call on all parties to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law. I welcome the truce announced on Friday, but I am concerned by reports that it has already been breached. I reiterate my call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and respect for the de-escalation agreement.

Crucially, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access must be facilitated. UN agencies and partners are providing support to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to respond to the urgent needs of the displaced. This includes health, water and sanitation, food, shelter and other core relief items as well as ensuring the protection of civilians. In addition, UN convoys, in cooperation with the Government of Jordan, have in recent days transported assistance for the tens of thousands of Syrians near the Jordanian border. These efforts must be sustained and increased.

Ireland has provided over €110 million towards the Syria crisis since 2012. Our humanitarian assistance responds to those in need inside Syria as well as Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in neighbouring countries. During a recent visit to a refugee camp in Jordan, where I witnessed first-hand the impact of Ireland's humanitarian assistance, I announced a further €1.25 million in funding for the valuable work of UNICEF and UNHCR.

At the recent meeting of EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Development on June 25th I discussed with my EU counterparts the issue of Syrian refugees from south-western Syria and possible solutions. Last April, the EU hosted the Brussels II Conference for Syria and the Region, which included a focus on sustaining and increasing humanitarian assistance to all those affected by the crisis in Syria, including Syrian refugees and vulnerable communities in neighbouring countries. The EU and its Member States contributed €4.8 billion out of the total €6.2 billion pledged until 2020, to support both immediate assistance and longer term response.

Ireland will continue to advocate for sustained European response to this crisis. Ultimately, only a political solution to the conflict will end the suffering of the Syrian people.

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