The need for humanitarian aid in 2023 appears to be greater than projected a year ago. The most serious humanitarian crises, such as the Syrian crisis, are also the most underfunded (UNOCHA, “Global Humanitarian Overview 2023”).
Only 7,6% of the Humanitarian Response Plan 2023 is covered with funding
(UNOCHA, on HRP 2023).
In this scenario, the crisis in Syria is about to enter its 13th year and the situation seems to be getting worse from every angle. The new year – after the earthquake still more - seems to be even more difficult than all the previous ones: the constant economic decline that the country faces, the desperation of citizens, the instability, the lack of hope in a possible restart and development are highlighting the need of a way to help Syrians beyond the emergency. What can be done in this direction?
The humanitarian assistance organizations - through which the EU supports the Syrian crisis - could act as guarantors and pave the way for early recovery actions and then durable solutions that stem from the need of building a place where refugees can really return and Syrian families to meet humanitarian needs: an income, medical care and education for their children.
AVSI, in collaboration with György Hölvényi, Member of the European Parliament, propose a side event to the Brussels VII Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region” on Tuesday 6 June (at 4-6 pm CEST) to discuss possible ways to proceed from emergency aid to early recovery and durable solutions for the Syrian crisis.
The side-event What kind of help are Syrians asking for?
Experiences and proposals to proceed from emergency aid to early recovery and durable solutions.
Brussels, European Parliament Meeting Room ASP 5F385 | Tuesday, June 6 2023 from 4 to 6 pm (CET) | English
Co-hosts and organizers: AVSI Foundation with the collaboration of MEP György Hölvényi
The program
Opening remarks: MEP György Hölvényi Co-Chair of the EPP Interreligious Dialogue Working Group, Coordinator for EPP Group in the Committee on Development; Maria Laura Conte AVSI communication director
Moderator: Maria Laura Conte, AVSI communication director
16:05 Humanitarian Situation in Syria
- Introductory remarks: MEP Željana Zovko, Vice President of the EPP Group, Vice Chair of Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Roy Moussalli, Executive Director of the St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee
- Raja Alarhiti, anaesthetist at St Louis Hospital in Aleppo (video)
- Kim Eling, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič
16:45 The case of Open Hospitals project
- Introductory remarks: Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic nuncio to Syria (online);
- Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, Hungary
- Father Fadi Salim Azar OFM, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lattakia, Syria Director of the Medical Dispensary
17:10 Towards durable solutions
- Introductory remarks: MEP Carlos Zorrinho S&D group, Standing rapporteur for Humanitarian Aid
- Filippo Agostino, Syria Country Representative AVSI
- Stefano Ravagnan, Special Envoy for Syrian crisis from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy
17:35 Question and Answers
17:50 Concluding remarks: Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement
Closing remarks György Hölvényi, Member of the European Parliament
How to participate
Fill in the module with your data, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
Practical information:
- Participants are requested to have their pre-registered ID/passport with them in order to collect their badge.
- Participants are asked to enter through the entrance at the Spinelli Building (European Parliament) opening from the Espace Léopold
- Participants are asked to be present at the meeting point 30 minutes ahead of the event to avoid difficulties at the security check.
The Brussels Conference
Over the years, the Brussels conferences have become an opportunity to pursue and deepen the dialogue between civil society, refugee-hosting countries, the European Union, and the United Nations, and to reassert the international community's continued support to the UN and the UN Special Envoy's efforts for a negotiated political solution to the Syrian conflict.
