February 4, 2016 — The International Rescue Committee congratulates those countries and organisations who have made major commitments today. The total humanitarian aid pledged recognises the scale of need. Important commitments to build the economic and social infrastructure of Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey take the humanitarian response to a whole new level.
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said: “The challenge for all of us now is to make sure that the pledges are turned into action in a way that relieves the suffering of the Syrian people. The major and welcome commitments made at this conference will only be meaningful to the Syrian people, whether inside Syria or in neighbouring countries, if the pledges are turned into action.”
As an organisation with 2000 people working inside Syria and many more in neighbouring countries, we welcome commitments to improve education, livelihoods and economic opportunities. However we join with many of the conference participants in deploring the lack of civilian protection inside Syria and express grave concern for the lives of people in bombed and besieged areas. We repeat our call to all parties to the conflict to immediately and fully comply with international humanitarian law. The obstruction of food, water and energy supplies, the use of siege tactics and the cynical blocking of aid deliveries must end.