World Vision is calling for international donors to pledge USD 1 billion to meet the needs of children affected by the Syria crisis as more than 60 donor countries meet in Kuwait City today.
At the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, the UN is calling for a total USD 6.5 billion from the international community for humanitarian assistance to the 14.3 million people currently affected by the Syrian Crisis. World Vision is calling on donors to ensure that at least USD 1 billion of the total USD 6.5 billion is allocated for activities aimed at ensuring we do not lose a generation of children.
World Vision Australia’s Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, Anthea Spinks said that funding for child protection, education and psychological support programs is critical to responding to the immediate and longer term needs of children. Over 5 million Syrian children to date have been affected by the conflict which is approaching its fourth year.
“Millions of Syrian children are in dire need, many are out of school and living in extremely vulnerable circumstances,” Ms Spinks said. “The world needs to do more to ensure we don’t lose a generation of children that represent Syria’s future.”
Syria’s children remain the most vulnerable of the conflict nearly three years after the uprise. Some witnessing their families and loved ones killed and experiencing an abrupt halt to their education following the destruction of their schools.
Apart from suffering physical and psychological damage, children have become vulnerable to the worst types of exploitation including child labour, recruitment into armed groups and forces, early marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.
World Vision together with other international aid organisations – including UNICEF, UNHCR and Save the Children – recently launched the “No Lost Generation” strategy specifically designed to address the needs of Syria’s children.
This is aimed at strengthening national and community-based child protection systems, to meet the needs of girls, boys and their families at high risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence.
The initiative aims to boost children’s access to quality education, including for children who are currently not attending school. It also aims to protect vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse and neglect. This will complement efforts to provide children with support to overcome the psychological impact of war and protracted displacement, as part of longer-term peacebuilding efforts.
World Vision has assisted almost 300,000 people affected by the crisis in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria in areas such as food, education, water and sanitation, health and child protection. World Vision is now aiming to assist 1.5 million people through short and longer-term humanitarian interventions.
To donate to the SyrianRefugees Crisis Response call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au
Anthea Spinks, World Vision Australia’s Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, is available for interview.
Media contact: Gabrielle Brophy, 0407 575 112 or gabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au