A Push for Peace in Syria at international conference

The Future of Syria conference, which takes place in Brussels, is an opportunity to address the funding gap for urgent humanitarian needs. It is also a vital chance to bolster the UN-led political peace process. Minister Cannon will address the conference on Tuesday.

The war in Syria has created the largest displacement crisis in the world. Almost 12 million people have fled their homes since the war began seven years ago. Over 13 million Syrians are now in need of humanitarian assistance, and more than 5 million Syrian refugees are displaced outside the country.

This conference is an opportunity for the Irish government to use its voice at international level to push a diplomatic resolution to this conflict. Eight years of conflict is too long and any action now is too late for the over half a million people have been killed.  But there is an onus on all sides to the conflict in Syria, and on foreign countries with influence, to end the violence and work towards a sustainable peace process. The complete lack of adherence to the norms of international law by the warring parties in Syria is abhorrent and it has created huge suffering.

Trócaire’s response

Trócaire has been responding to the Syria Crisis since 2013.  Over the past year, programmes have included the provision of food, shelter, protection services and support for vocational training.  

Over 65,000 people displaced within Syria as well as over 7,000 people who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries in the region were helped by Trócaire last year. The programme aims to provide emergency assistance, help families cope with the trauma of conflict, and support those seeking a livelihood options in the region.

Trócaire is also advocating for peace in Syria at home in Ireland. Over the last week, 2,700 Irish people have signed Trócaire’s petition to speak out for Syria. Please sign our petition for peace in Syria.