Marking ten years since the outbreak of conflict in Syria

Remember Syria: Marking 10 years since conflict began in Syria, Concern, GOAL, Oxfam Ireland, Trócaire, and World Vision stand with Lord Mayor Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillors, and locals in solidarity with the Syrian community, to remember the lives lost, and the people displaced and harmed during the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Marking ten years since the outbreak of conflict in Syria, Jim Clarken, Chief Executive of Oxfam Ireland said:

Marking ten years since war broke out in Syria, Jim Clarken, Chief Executive of Oxfam Ireland said:

“The news headlines may have faded, but as we mark a decade since conflict began in Syria, the humanitarian crisis continues to cause tremendous human suffering to people both inside and outside the country. We cannot let this be another forgotten crisis.

“Hundreds of thousands have died, more than 13 million people have fled their homes and essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and homes have been decimated. Lives remain on hold as people struggle to meet immediate needs amidst a deteriorating economy and remain fearful for the future with no end to the crisis in sight. 

“What is especially heart-breaking is the impact on children. For many, in their short lives they have known nothing but war, suffered grave violations and have had no access to education.

"Our colleagues in Syria also have grave concerns about the unfolding impact Covid-19 is having across the country. In the context of limited humanitarian access, a lack of funding for aid, destroyed health infrastructure, and declining health of a population who have suffered under 10 years of conflict, the pandemic poses a massive threat to vulnerable communities within Syria.

“Ireland, as a newly elected member of the UN Security Council, is playing an important role in efforts to resolve the crisis. But while both the Irish government and public have been consistently generous in their support of the aid effort and resettlement of Syrian people to Ireland, global humanitarian funding is not keeping pace with the increasing need.

“We ask people to remember Syria and ensure that even though the headlines have faded – our solidarity and support as an international community does not.”

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Contact

Caroline Reid, Communications Manager | caroline.reid@oxfam.org | 087 912 3165