Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2021

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Humanitarian Access

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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265. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to ensure the renewal of UN Security Council authorisation for cross-border humanitarian operations from Turkey to north-west Syria; his plans to ensure humanitarian aid including the delivery of food, Covid-19 vaccines, critical medical supplies, shelter, clean water and sanitation continues to reach those in need in north-west Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36413/21]

Photo of Colm BrophyColm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is 'co-penholder' with Norway on the UN Security Council Syria Humanitarian file, strongly advocating for humanitarian aid to reach all those in need, including and in particular north-west Syria.

In order that the extensive humanitarian needs in Syria continue to be met, Ireland, with Norway, is working towards the renewal of the mandate enabling cross border operations later this month. Ireland is engaging with all relevant parties, including Security Council members, countries in the region, the UN system and civil society. Guiding our engagements is the principle, which Ireland has repeatedly stated at the Security Council, that the cross border operation remains vital to ensuring that aid reaches millions of people in North West Syria. It is my belief that the mandate must be extended for as long as is necessary.

In parallel, we continue to work closely with our humanitarian partners to ensure that Ireland's national response to the Syria crisis addresses the enormous needs in Syria and the region., including and especially those outlined in this question. There are 13.4 million Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than three million people in the north-west.

Ireland has contributed €190 million in humanitarian assistance to the Syria crisis to date, our largest response ever to a single crisis. This includes €23 million for 2021, distributed through the UN, Irish NGOs and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Ireland also contributes core funding to key agencies that allocate funding to Syria, including WHO, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

Additionally, Ireland responds to needs in Syria through the EU. So far this year the EU has mobilised €130 million in humanitarian aid to provide vital assistance to millions of Syrians in need inside the country and a further €65 million to support Syrians who are displaced across the region.

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