Brussels Conference Participants Pledge $6 Billion For Syria

The European Union, Germany, Kuwait, Norway, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United Nations co-chaired the Brussels Conference on Supporting the future of Syria and the region, on Wednesday, with participants pledging $6 billion for 2017.

The conflict in Syria has brought destruction and human suffering on an enormous scale. On the day after the attacks on Khan Sheikhun, the conference condemned the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Government and ISIL/Daesh, as identified by the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism, as well as the attacks the day before. The use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, must stop immediately, Conference participants reiterated.

“Investment of political work in supporting a resolution to the crisis is key to securing a democratic and free future for Syria and its people,” Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy aid. “Only Syrians can make the agreement that will secure peace. But today’s commitment from the international community and the region to support them in achieving a peaceful future is essential. Today we were clear that sustainable and inclusive peace in Syria for the Syrians remains the objective of all our common work.”

The co-chaired adopted a joint declaration, including specific annexes on supporting the resilience of host countries and refugees in the context of the Syrian crisis for Jordan and for Lebanon.

Participants agreed that to meet the massive needs of the populations inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, and strengthen the resilience of host communities, significant financial support as well as innovative and holistic approaches are needed.