Tag: aid

Earthquake: UK responds to Türkey’s request for assistance

UK deploys emergency response teams to the Republic of Türkiye to assist rescue efforts

  • seventy six UK search and rescue specialists, 4 search dogs and rescue equipment arrived in Türkiye last night
  • UK is also sending an Emergency Medical Team to assess the situation on the ground
  • UK is in contact with the UN on emergency humanitarian support to those affected in Syria

The UK will immediately deploy emergency response teams to Türkiye to assist rescue efforts.

The government is deploying a team of experts to help on the ground in Türkiye following the 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The UK is sending immediate support to Türkiye including a team of 76 search and rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs.

“In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed.”

Jill Morris, British Ambassador-Designate to Türkiye, said: “The British Embassy in Ankara is in close contact with the Turkish authorities to understand how we can best support those on the ground.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquakes today. We pay tribute to the brave Turkish first responders working to save lives.”

The UK is providing support that the Turkish government have asked for. The UK International Search and Rescue team have specialist search equipment including seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, propping and shoring tools.

In north-west Syria, the UK-aid funded White Helmets have activated a significant search and rescue response and mobilised all their resources to respond to emerging needs.

The government is in contact with British humanitarian workers in the affected areas, and we stand ready to provide support to any British nationals affected. 

Anyone in Turkey and in need of urgent help should call +90 312 455 3344.

Anyone in the UK concerned about relatives or friends should call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000.

UPDATE

  • Plane carrying a team of 77 UK search and rescue specialists, equipment and four search dogs arrived in Gaziantep today
  • UK’s world-class specialist skills and state-of-the-art search equipment will help locate survivors in the rubble of the earthquakes
  • British Embassy in Ankara and consulates lower their flags to half-mast as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives

Today (Tuesday 7 February) a UK team of 77 search and rescue specialists, 4 search dogs and rescue equipment arrived in Gaziantep in south east Turkey to join the emergency response.

An Emergency Medical Team were also on the flight. They will conduct a full assessment of the situation on the ground.

The UK government is immediately providing the support requested by the Turkish government. The UK will continue to assess the situation and stands ready to provide further long-term assistance as needed.

The UK International Search and Rescue team is made up of firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services from across the country, including experts from England, Scotland and Wales. They will be using specialist search equipment including:

  • Seismic listening devices;
  • Concrete cutting and breaking equipment; and
  • Propping and shoring tools.

Their world-class specialist skills and state-of-the-art heavy duty equipment will allow the UK team to cut their way into buildings and locate survivors in the rubble during this vital time.

The team is self-sufficient upon arrival and provides its own food, water, shelter, sanitation, communications and all necessary equipment to undertake search and rescue operations.

In solidarity with the Turkish people, the British Embassy in Ankara and Consulates across Turkey have lowered their flags to half-mast for the 7-day national mourning period declared by the Turkish government.

In north-west Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets continue to carry out a significant search and rescue response and have mobilised all their resources to respond to emerging needs. The UK has given the White Helmets £2.25 million in the last year and an additional funding uplift of £800,000 for front line search and rescue operations.

UK to boost defensive aid to Ukraine with new £100m package

The new support will include more anti-tank missiles and air defence systems, as well as loitering munitions and non-lethal aid like helmets, body armour and night vision goggles

The UK will provide a further package of military aid to Ukraine, the Prime Minister announced today.

The new support will include:

  • More than 800 more NLAW anti-tank missiles
  • Additional Javelin anti-tank systems
  • Additional loitering munitions
  • Additional Starstreak air defence systems
  • Additional non-lethal aid including ballistic helmets, body armour and night vision goggles

This package amounts to more than £100 million and has been designed in consultation with the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure that it meets their military needs. This builds on the £350 million of military aid and around £400m of economic and humanitarian support that the UK has already provided.

As well as providing bilateral lethal aid, the UK Armed Forces – alongside Polish, US and international partners – have established an International Donor Coordination Centre in Stuttgart.

This plays a leading role in the international effort and ensures that the military aid delivered to Ukraine is as coordinated and effective as possible. The team from 104 Logistics Brigade was established following the first International Donor Conference convened by the Defence Secretary in February.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Putin has steeled our resolve, sharpened our focus and forced Europe to begin to rearm to guarantee our shared security.

“Alongside our allies, this military support will bolster Ukraine’s efforts to ensure Russia’s barbaric invasion fails.”

The Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP said: “The UK Government is resolute in our support for Ukraine and determined that no barbaric Russian act goes unanswered.

“Another 800 NLAWs will not only support the Ukrainian defence, but show Putin that his brutality only stiffens our resolve.”

The aid announced yesterday builds on last week’s second International Donor Conference, where the UK brought together more than 35 international partners. Following the first Donor Conference on 25 February, the international community provided 2.5 million items of military weapons and equipment to Ukraine, amounting to more than £1.5 billion.

Earlier this week, ministers from the Ministry of Defence hosted a Ukrainian delegation on Salisbury Plain Training Area to demonstrate UK equipment which will contribute to future planned support packages as Ukraine’s needs evolve. Further announcements will follow in due course.

Scots charity ships thousands of donated items to Ukraine crisis

A SCOTTISH charity has shipped two tonnes of donations destined for Poland’s mobile clinics helping those escaping the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

Working in partnership with NHS Scotland Global Citizenship, Artmedis and K&N, Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) has secured the transportation of eight pallets worth of goods from its global logistics centre in Dundee to Krakow, Poland where it will be put to good use by the emergency medics caring for the influx of refugees.

KidsOR is a global organisation focused on providing dedicated operating rooms for children’s surgery with bases in Edinburgh and Dundee.

The donation includes medical products, clothing and footwear as well as items specific items to help in a conflict situation, such as air chambers to assist with ventilation.

Dave Tipping, Director of Global Operations at KidsOR heads up the Dundee logistics centre. He said: “As events continue to unfold in Ukraine, donations are playing a vital role in supporting those most impacted by the conflict.

“That’s why a shipment of medical items once destined for Northern Iraq and Syria, but delayed for two years and eventually unable to be processed due to lack of documentation was, has been redirected to Poland.

“Over the next week, the shipment including blankets, clothing, sheets and gloves – all urgently required – will begin its travel and is expected to reach the mobile clinics within the next week.

“Under such terrible circumstances, we are proud to be able to help in a small way and know these items will be life changing for many.”

The seven-strong team at KidsOR’s Dundee warehouse typically facilitates large shipments of medical equipment to completely fit our paediatric operating rooms. Recent shipments have reached Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Zambia and Nigeria.

Founded by Garreth and Nicola Wood, it is the only global organisation focused on the single task of providing dedicated operating rooms for children’s surgery. They work in more than 40 countries to provide world-class surgical facilities and won’t stop until every child has equal access to safe surgery.

For more information on KidsOR, please visit: www.KidsOR.org

UK to provide vital food supplies to encircled Ukrainian cities

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss confirmed that the UK will provide Ukraine with £2 million in essential food supplies for people trapped by Russian advances

The UK is set to provide £2 million in vital food supplies for areas of Ukraine encircled by Russian forces, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss confirmed today (26 March).

The announcement comes following a direct request from the government of Ukraine, with the UK funding a rapid donation of dried food, tinned goods and water.

Warehouses in Poland and Slovakia are being readied to supply these goods to the government of Ukraine from early next week. Around 25 truckloads will then be transported by road and rail to the local Ukrainian communities in greatest need.

It is estimated over 12 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance across Ukraine, with the actual figure likely to be much higher.

This rapid donation is essential, with the window to reach towns and cities already encircled, as well as those at high risk, closing.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “This vital donation of food and supplies will help support the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s barbaric invasion.

“Our teams are working day and night with our Polish and Slovakian friends and the government of Ukraine to ensure those at most risk get the essential supplies they so badly need.”

Alice Hooper, FCDO Humanitarian Adviser said: “The need on the ground in Ukraine is clear, with so many people in encircled areas trapped in basements without access to food or water. Nearly 6 million children remain in Ukraine, many sheltering inside buildings which are coming under attack.

“We are working with partners at the borders to ensure these vital UK supplies reach the places they are needed most as quickly as possible.”

Access to food, water and cooking facilities for those trapped by Russian advances is becoming increasingly difficult, with people taking refuge in basements from shelling.

This latest donation comes as part of the £400 million committed by the UK, with £220 million of this on humanitarian aid.

The Foreign Secretary today announced the allocation of the first tranche of this funding, which will be shared amongst trusted humanitarian delivery partners on the ground, including:

  • £25 million to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR to support surrounding countries to receive and care for refugees from the conflict
  • £20 million to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the OCHA-managed Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF), to provide coordinated lifesaving humanitarian assistance, protection and basic services to those remaining in Ukraine
  • £10 million to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to deliver healthcare and water, sanitation and hygiene provision amongst other support

Freedom Boxes: Ukrainian aid effort gathers pace

A humanitarian mission launched within 24 hours of the conflict breaking out in Ukraine is delivering thousands of boxes of essential items and collecting refugees at the Ukraine/Poland border to bring them to safety in the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland.  

Freedom Boxes was created by Stuart Watkins, who also owns a software company which has offices in Prague and Cambridge. When the conflict began, Stuart, his family, and his team set about to do something to deliver help and provide hope to those affected by the invasion. With Freedom Boxes, the team has created an immediate way to directly help those in need. 

The team is made up of people from the UK and across the Central and Eastern European region, including Russia and Ukraine, who have pulled together to prepare, pack, and deliver Freedom Boxes.  

The Freedom Boxes are delivered across the border directly to those in need – in bunkers and war zones – with the team’s drivers risking their lives on every trip.  

Two of the four people working on the project in Ukraine are Stuart’s team members and they are helping deal with the coordination of getting people to the border and out of the areas under siege. 

Stuart Watkins, founder of Freedom Boxes, said: “During war, it is always the vulnerable who suffer the most. We are dropping off truckloads of Freedom Boxes for distribution to those who need them and bringing Ukrainian refugees to safety. 

“As a private company located in Prague and with colleagues in Ukraine, we had the ability to mobilise our assets, people, and connections very quickly to get up and running and begin helping. Larger organisations are less agile and take longer to mobilise, whereas Freedom Boxes provides a way for people to have a much more immediate and direct impact. 

“In just two weeks since the war began, we have already delivered over 450 Freedom Boxes and transported over 70 refugees to safety. We will continue to do whatever we can to get essential items into Ukraine while getting as many people as we can out and away from danger.” 

“As the humanitarian crisis worsens, bordering countries are filling up with refugees. They are having to travel further afar which can add days onto their journeys. The Freedom Buses are helping solve this problem.” 

With their tech background, Stuart and his team have been able to quickly build solutions to utilise their assets for the greater good, with QR codes to help understand what people need and tracking devices to verify receipt of items. 

Visit www.freedom-boxes.com to purchase a Freedom Bus ticket for someone fleeing Ukraine or choose from a range of Freedom Boxes tailormade for families, children, and the heroes who have taken up arms to defend their country.  

Children who want to let families and children who are victims of war in Ukraine know they are thinking about them are uploading messages of hope at www.messagesofhope.uk – the messages will be delivered directly to Ukrainian families via Freedom Boxes.

Children everywhere are encouraged to upload their messages of hope. 

For further information, please visit: www.freedom-boxes.com  

Ukraine crisis: Prime Minister announces further humanitarian aid

PM Boris Johnson announces £40 million of further humanitarian aid to Ukraine

  • £40m more aid released to provide vital medical supplies and other help to Ukraine
  • Assistance in addition to wider economic and military support bolstering the Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion
  • Announcement follows PM discussions with President Zelenskyy and meeting with Ukrainian community leaders in London this weekend
  • The UK has stepped up its support to the people of Ukraine again today (Sunday) with the announcement of £40 million of further humanitarian aid to the country.

The funding will help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, creating a lifeline for Ukrainians with access to basic necessities and medical supplies such as medicines, syringes, dressings and wound care packs.

UK Government humanitarian experts have also deployed to the region to support those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.

On Saturday evening the Prime Minister spoke again to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy who updated him on the critical need for humanitarian assistance as people are forced to flee their homes and seek safety.

This evening he met Ukrainian community leaders at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London to hear their stories about the impact of Russian violence on the people of Ukraine.

In response to the growing concern of Ukrainians living in the UK about their welfare of their families back home, today the Prime Minister also confirmed that any person settled in the UK will be able to bring their Ukrainian immediate family members to join them here. This will benefit many thousands of people who at this moment are making desperate choices about their future.

The UK also continues to support those Ukrainians who wish to remain close to home through logistical and humanitarian support to Ukraine’s neighbours.

The Prime Minister said: “In the last days the world has witnessed awe-inspiring displays of bravery and heroism from the Ukrainian people in response to those who seek to obliterate their freedom by force.

“The UK will not turn our backs in Ukraine’s hour of need. We are providing all the economic and military support we can to help those Ukrainians risking everything to protect their country.”

This latest assistance package brings the total amount of UK Government aid pledged to Ukraine this year to £140 million. Last week the Prime Minister also announced the UK would guarantee up to $500 million of loans to Ukraine through Multilateral Development Banks.

The UK also continues to supply defensive military equipment to the Ukrainian military to bolster their resistance against invading Russian forces.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Putin’s regime has undertaken an illegal and violent assault against the people of Ukraine.

“The UK will provide £40 million in aid to help our Ukrainian friends, more funding to tackle what is becoming a humanitarian crisis.

“We stand with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, in its hour of need”.

Scotland also sends aid to Ukraine

Scottish Government to provide financial aid and medical supplies to Ukraine following Russian invasion

The Scottish Government will provide both financial aid and medical supplies to Ukraine following the illegal invasion by Russia.

Firstly, an initial £4m in humanitarian aid will be provided. As part of the global humanitarian efforts, this will help provide basic humanitarian assistance, including in health, water and sanitation, and shelter.

Officials are in discussions with humanitarian aid agencies to identify the best route to get this aid most quickly to those affected by the Ukraine crisis, including to those displaced by the invasion. 

In addition to financial aid, the Scottish Government will provide medical supplies to Ukraine.

The supplies provided are based on a list of urgently needed medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals provided by the Ukrainian Government via their Edinburgh consulate.

The supplies to be provided will include anaesthetic machines, syringe pumps and bandages.

However, further work is underway to identify what further supplies can be provided and in what quantities, in order that they can be shipped to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has given its unqualified support for Ukrainian independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and to the people of Ukraine as they bravely resist the unprovoked and illegal aggression of the Russian regime. 

“As a responsible and compassionate global citizen we will help with an initial £4 million in financial aid to provide essential help to those in desperate need.

“And we are also working with the Ukrainian government to provide medical supplies from stocks we hold. We are coordinating with other UK nations to ensure that these supplies get to where they are desperately needed as quickly as possible. 

“There will be much more that we need to do in the days to come. But one thing is already clear. Words of support are not enough. Ukraine needs our active help and support now, and we will provide as much practical support as possible, starting immediately.”

Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Response Fund is currently assessing the response capacity on the Ukraine crisis.

Further Economic Sanctions Targeted at the Central Bank of the Russian Federation

The UK government has announced its intention to take further restrictive economic measures in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, by targeting the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR).

Following already announced sanctions measures aimed at imposing severe consequences on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in coordination with the Governor of the Bank of England, yesterday announced the UK Government’s intention to take further economic action against Russia by targeting the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR).

This action is taken in concert with the US and the European Union, to prevent the CBR from deploying its foreign reserves in ways that undermine the impact of sanctions imposed by us and our allies, and to undercut its ability to engage in foreign exchange transactions to support the Russian rouble.

The UK Government will immediately take all necessary steps to bring into effect restrictions to prohibit any UK natural or legal persons from undertaking financial transactions involving the CBR, the Russian National Wealth Fund, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation.

The UK Government intends to make further related designations this week, working alongside our international partners.

The Chancellor said: “These measures demonstrate our determination to apply severe economic sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We are announcing this action in rapid coordination with our US and European allies to move in lock step once more with our international partners, to demonstrate our steadfast resolve in imposing the highest costs on Russia and to cut her off from the international financial system so long as this conflict persists.

The Governor of the Bank of England said: “The Bank of England continues to take any and all actions needed to support the Government’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We welcome the steps taken today by the UK Government, in coordination with EU and US authorities, as an important and powerful demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the international rule of law.”

Mary’s Meals launches appeal for South Sudan

Charity calls for support to help more children affected by conflict

Mary’s Meals has launched an appeal to provide more school meals for desperately hungry children in South Sudan – the country with the world’s highest rate of children out of education.

Learning across South Sudan has been drastically hindered by years of violence and upheaval, with survival often taking priority over children attending school. Internal displacement, deep poverty and hunger mean that life for families is a real struggle.

  • Over 70% (2.2 million) of primary school aged children are not in education, with girls more likely to miss school.[1]
  • More than half (55%) of people have insufficient food intake.[2]
  • A third (31.3%) of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition.[3]

Mary’s Meals is already feeding around 70,000 hungry children every school day in South Sudan. Now, the charity founded in a shed in Argyll, is appealing for support to reach even more hungry children with a nutritious meal at school.

Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, says: “Our nutritious meals are giving children in South Sudan the energy to learn, hope for a better future and some respite from the immense difficulty of everyday life.

“Mary’s Meals is one of very few organisations delivering desperately needed food to schools in this country. We are already feeding around 70,000 children every school day – and we are determined to reach even more little ones with our life-changing meals. To do this, we need your support.”

Mary’s Meals provides school meals for children living in some of the world’s poorest countries – including Malawi, Haiti, Ethiopia, Syria and Yemen. The promise of a daily meal attracts hungry children to the classroom, where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty.

In South Sudan, the charity works in partnership with local organisations, Diocese of Rumbek and Mary Help Association, to serve maize and beans to pupils at 114 schools in the Warrap and Lakes States regions, where thousands of people have fled to seeking refuge.

Moses, who works for Mary’s Meals’ partner Diocese of Rumbek, says: “Many schools were destroyed by the conflict. I have visited new primary schools that have been built far away from the towns, in make-shift sheds and under trees.

“I was there when we took the food to these communities. Words are not enough to describe the happiness of the children. They jumped with joy – dancing, singing and shouting. They were so eager to learn and attendance at the schools is rising because of the promise of a good meal.”

Abak and Aping’s story

Sisters Abak and Aping enrolled at school last year when Mary’s Meals set up a school feeding programme.

Aping (12) is in primary two. She says: “The only food we get in a day is from Mary’s Meals. That is what made us join the school since we don’t have food at home.”

The girls live with their grandmother. She is weak and ageing, but she does her best to provide modest shelter and love for the two girls who help tend a very small patch of land growing vegetables. When they are lucky enough to get a small harvest, they sell what they have to buy soap and salt.

To donate to the Mary’s Meals South Sudan Appeal, please visit:

marysmeals.org.uk/south-sudan-appeal or phone 0800 698 1212.

UK aid to help hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans on the brink of starvation

• Zimbabwe is facing a chronic food crisis and without support more than 5.5 million people will not have access to the food they need by 2020

• International Development Secretary Alok Sharma announces UK aid support to help malnourished children, families and communities following a UN appeal

• He also urges Government of Zimbabwe to act on its promise to deliver fundamental political and economic reforms

Hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans will receive life-saving access to food and water thanks to UK aid as the country faces a potentially catastrophic famine.

International Development Secretary Alok Sharma yesterday announced £49 million of UK aid. This will be given to trusted partners to help malnourished children, families and communities following a UN Zimbabwe appeal.

He also urged the Zimbabwean Government to act on its promise to deliver fundamental political and economic reforms.

International Development Secretary Alok Sharma (above) said: “The Government of Zimbabwe must do more to deliver the promised fundamental political and economic reforms and take responsibility for the humanitarian crisis affecting its people.

“The UK stands with the people of Zimbabwe at a time when millions are at risk of starvation and disease. Through trusted partners we will continue to give families access to food and clean water, and support children to gain a decent education.”

Zimbabwe is facing a chronic food crisis as crops have been devastated by the effects of drought, economic crisis and a powerful cyclone. Without support, more than 5.5 million people in Zimbabwe will not have access to the food they need by 2020.

The food crisis is closely linked to the economic challenges in Zimbabwe which has led to high unemployment and high inflation.

Having already experienced outbreaks of cholera following the devastation of Cyclone Idai earlier this year, water shortages are also leaving the country more susceptible to further outbreaks as people struggle to find clean sources of drinking water.

Six days to go: Collection points for EDA Syria Appeal

Thousands Of Syrian Refugees Seek Shelter In Makeshift Camps In Jordan

A final reminder of the local collection points for donations to the Edinburgh Direct Aid Syria appeal (the container leaves in SIX days):

  • Community Shop, Pennywell Road
  • Pilton Youth & Childrens Project, West Pilton Place
  • Spartans Community Football Academy, Ainslie Park
  • Edinburgh Direct Aid warehouse, West Harbour Road

 

WHAT’S NEEDED by EDA:

NO MORE CLOTHES, SHOES or BEDDING!

Thank you, but we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of response – our container is almost bulked out. If you have already collected goods on our list – padded jackets, welly boots, etc., – do bring them in. If we can’t send them now, we’ll send them later – but please don’t organise any new collections at the moment!

BUT DEFINITELY:

(new!) underwear
toothpaste
toothbrushes
soap
detergent
toilet paper
nappies
sanitary towels
wipes

and for schools and vocational training:

notebooks, A4 paper
pens/pencils, boardwriters
sewing materials, wool

EDA WAREHOUSE OPENING TIMES:

Wednesday and Saturdays until SEPTEMBER 23

11:00am to 3pm 

Contact Ann at 0781 494 9468

PM outlines details of £100 million package to support Syrian refugees

UK aid contribution reaches £1 billion

refugee 1

Prime Minister David Cameron will visit Lebanon today to see first hand how UK aid is helping the most vulnerable people who have been driven from their homes in Syria.

While there, as the UK’s aid contribution reaches £1 billion, he will outline the details of the extra £100 million package to help Syrian refugees, including £40 million to be used in the region surrounding Syria.

The £40 million will be allocated to the UN and NGO (non-governmental organisation) partners working in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, including British aid agencies like Save the Children, providing shelter, food, relief packages, health and protection services, as well as cash assistance – giving individuals the freedom to decide how best to cover their needs.

what the government is doing to help Syrian refugees.

Up to £29 million will go to Lebanon – host to 1.1 million Syrian refugees, or over a quarter of Lebanon’s population. The aid will help refugees and impoverished host communities cope, helping to reduce tensions between those communities and lower the risk of conflict in Lebanon which, if it broke out, could lead to more displacement of people who may look to come to Europe. Some of the aid assistance will also focus on Palestinian refugees (via United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), and support to Lebanese municipalities (via United Nations Development Programme).

The new support to Lebanon will provide:

  • food packages or vouchers for over 250,000 refugees living in Lebanon and the most vulnerable people in communities hosting refugees
  • relief packages for thousands of refugees, with items such as thermal blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, fuel and heating stoves, cooking stoves and kitchen utensils
  • psychosocial consultations for children and counselling for adults to help them work through the trauma they have experienced
  • child-friendly spaces offering a safe place for children to play, study and spend the day
  • support for agencies working to reduce the incidence and impact of sexual and gender based violence against women and girls, including counselling, legal services and safe spaces
  • food, water, relief packages, health and protection assistance for over 21,000 Palestinian refugees
  • support to help Lebanese municipalities cope with the increased populations in villages and towns.

Up to £6 million will help Jordan – host to over 629,000 refugees, or over a fifth of its population – to meet essential needs and reduce the incentive for refugees considering routes to Europe.

Up to £5 million will also support the most vulnerable refugees in Turkey, providing food and healthcare for those situated outside of the camps. This aid comes in addition to the £4 million announced for Turkey by the Development Secretary in February, bringing the UK’s total contribution to Turkey this year to £9 million. This support will be channelled through UN and NGO agencies who are best placed to respond to the crisis, alongside the Turkish authorities.

The additional £100 million, announced by the Prime Minister last week in Madrid, will be used to provide food, water, health care, education and shelter to people in Syria as well as in neighbouring countries, helping them to meet their basic needs where they are, rather than taking the desperate decision to risk their lives by attempting to get to Europe.

Nearly 12 million people have been displaced by violence in Syria and nearly 8 million of those remain in the country, including many tens of thousands in informal camps near the Turkish border. Millions more suffering from the violence – who are yet to leave their homes – also need assistance.

In Syria itself, working with the International Rescue Committee, World Food Programme and UN agencies, £60 million will be spent to provide thousands of internally displaced people with a range of support including food, water, urgent trauma care and first aid. British funds will also help to provide essential drugs, medical supplies and equipment, as well as training for hundreds of dedicated health specialists and workers in the region.

Of those funds:

  • over £20 million will go to partners delivering aid across Syria’s borders without the consent of the Assad regime, including £10 million to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for medical assistance, protection services, education and livelihoods
  • £10 million will go to OCHA’s Humanitarian Pool Fund to support and build capacity of local Syrian NGOs in Syria
  • £18 million will go to the World Food Programme, expected to provide over 2.7 million individual monthly food rations
  • the remaining £12 million will go to organisations providing humanitarian support inside Syria

The Prime Minister said: “As the second largest bilateral donor to the humanitarian crisis in Syria our aid effort is supporting thousands of people to rebuild their lives, providing protection, counselling and schooling, alongside the provision of basic food and water.

“Investment in health, education, jobs and stability is the most effective way to help people overseas, and it is clearly in Britain’s interests.

“Around 3% of the 11 million Syrians forced from their homes have sought asylum in Europe, and without British aid hundreds of thousands more could be risking their lives seeking to get to Europe, so these funds are part of our comprehensive approach to tackle migration from the region.

“For thousands of refugees this money means a meal for their families, the security of a home with basic sanitation and clean water, and for children it means an education so we don’t lose a generation to the Syrian conflict.

“Our goal remains to support the development of a secure, stable and peaceful Syria. Without our investment in international development, the numbers of people seeking to embark on a perilous journey to Europe would be far greater.”