Labour has announced £50 million in humanitarian aid for vulnerable Syrians following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime last week.
The emergency support package will be delivered through UN and NGO agencies to assist people within Syria and refugees in neighbouring countries, the Foreign Office confirmed on Sunday.
Destroyed buildings in the city of Harasta in Eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus
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The Foreign Office has also made £120,000 available to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
The aid announcement comes as Syria faces widespread humanitarian challenges, with the World Food Programme reporting that over 3 million people faced acute food shortages even before Assad’s fall.
Britain on Saturday joined international talks in Aqaba, Jordan, alongside ministers and delegates from major powers including the US, France, Germany and regional states.
The summit, which included representatives from the Arab Contact Group, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, the EU and UN, focused on Syria’s future governance.
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Much of central Syria has been destroyed in the conflict
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Participants agreed on several key principles, including the importance of establishing a “non-sectarian and representative government” in Syria.
The talks also emphasised the protection of human rights, ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid access, and the safe destruction of chemical weapons.
“The UK urges the transitional government to adhere to these principles to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful Syria,” the Foreign Office said on Sunday.
The international community also stressed the importance of combating terrorism as Syria enters this new phase.
Syrians bring the demolished statue of Hafez al-Assad to Umayyad Square in the capital Damascus
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Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The fall of the horrific Assad regime provides a once-in-a-generation chance for the people of Syria.
“We’re committed to supporting the Syrian people as they chart a new course, first by providing £50 million in new food, healthcare and aid to support the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Syrians.
“Second, by working diplomatically to help secure better governance in Syria’s future.
“This weekend the UK and its partners came together to agree the principles required to support a Syrian-led transitional political process. It is vital that the future Syrian government brings together all groups to establish the stability and respect the Syrian people deserve.”
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