International donors contribute $6.1B for Syrian refugees

International donors, spearheaded by the European Union, have pledged a total of 5.6 billion euros ($6.1 billion) to support Syrian refugees in a gathering chaired by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Despite the significant contribution, the EU emphasized that its position on President Bashar al-Assad’s government remains unchanged.

The European Union committed the highest amount, totaling 3.8 billion euros, with the European Commission contributing 55 percent of that sum and the remaining 45 percent provided by individual EU member states. Notably, the United States, along with 56 other countries in attendance, pledged $920 million, while the United Kingdom pledged £150 million.

These funds, allocated for this year and beyond, aim to aid Syria’s neighboring countries, including Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, which are hosting 5.4 million Syrian refugees, as well as millions of internally displaced Syrians. Additionally, donors committed an additional four billion euros in loans, resulting in a combined amount of grants and loans totaling 9.6 billion euros.

Foreign policy chief Borrell announced that the EU pledged an additional 560 million euros in grants for 2024, with further contributions from other EU members expected to increase the total. However, Borrell emphasized that none of the aid would be directed to the Assad-led Damascus government.

“The European Union policy on Syria has not changed – we will not re-establish full diplomatic relations with the Assad regime or initiate reconstruction efforts until a genuine and comprehensive political transition is firmly underway, which is currently not the case,” stated Borrell. He further emphasized the need for justice and accountability regarding the crimes committed during the prolonged conflict.

While Assad managed to retain power with support from Iran and Russia, his international standing has somewhat improved as he was welcomed back into the Arab League last month. Acknowledging the ongoing discussions in Brussels regarding Syria’s readmission to the League, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein commented that his delegation would express their opinions on the matter.

The Syrian conflict, which erupted in 2011 after Assad’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, has resulted in the deaths of over 500,000 people. The war has evolved into a complex situation involving foreign powers and jihadist groups. The United Nations reports that more than 12 million Syrians have been displaced, the majority of whom are internally displaced, with an additional 5.4 million living as refugees in neighboring countries.

Borrell expressed disappointment at the lack of progress made in resolving the Syria conflict over the past year. The EU will maintain its sanctions on Assad’s regime and support the return of Syrians to their home country only if the conditions are “voluntary,” safe, and monitored by international organizations.

The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, stated during the conference that although he believes the situation is at a turning point, the underlying causes and consequences of the conflict have yet to be comprehensively addressed.

Uzra Zeya, the U.S. representative and State Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, called on other donors to increase their contributions to address the severe challenges faced by Syrians due to years of war, terrorism, and natural disasters. She also emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian access across all parts of Syria and reiterated that a political transition in Damascus, as outlined in a UN Security Council resolution, remains the only viable solution to end the suffering of the Syrian people.

Compared to previous donors’ conferences, the 5.6 billion euros in grants pledged at this year’s event fell slightly short of the 6.4 billion euros raised last year and the