DAMASCUS: The Worldwide Committee of the Purple Cross (ICRC) plans to develop its work in Syria considerably past an preliminary US$100 million programme, the organisation’s president mentioned on Monday (Jan 6), citing urgent wants within the well being, water and energy sectors.
Syria requires US$4.07 billion in assist this yr, however solely 33.1 per cent has been funded, leaving a US$2.73 billion hole, in line with the UN Workplace for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The ICRC’s anticipated enlargement follows new entry to all areas of the nation after the toppling of president Bashar al-Assad final month.
“Our programme initially for this yr for Syria was US$100 million, however we’re more likely to develop that considerably,” ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric instructed Reuters on the sidelines of a go to to the nation.
She mentioned particular person donor nations had already come ahead with a rise in funding for Syria.
ICRC was one of many few worldwide organisations nonetheless working in Syria underneath Assad’s rule, engaged on infrastructure initiatives together with water and electrical energy programs.
“We have to develop that work, we’ve got loads to do within the well being sector,” she added.
The organisation is engaged in rehabilitation work to maintain water provision at 40 per cent to 50 per cent of what it was earlier than the conflict, however safety of water services stays vital as some are near locations the place combating remains to be underneath method.
“There are services subsequent to the Euphrates Lake which might be particular to the safety requirement in the meanwhile,” she mentioned.
