The international community is turning a blind eye to the plight of Syrian refugees, as funding to support them in host countries continues to dwindle, Jordan’s foreign minister warned on Monday. With the 13-year-old war in Syria showing no signs of abating, the EU-led donor conference aims to address the ongoing crisis and provide much-needed support to millions of refugees.
Despite President Bashar al-Assad’s control over most of Syria, millions of refugees remain displaced both internally and in neighboring countries like Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan. The economic and social burden on host countries is mounting, with organizations like the World Food Programme reducing aid due to funding shortages.
Jordan, hosting around 1.3 million Syrian refugees, is feeling the strain and is calling for more support to create conditions for voluntary return. However, with the EU divided and facing its own challenges, finding a solution to the refugee crisis remains elusive.
As European and Arab ministers gather for the 8th Syria conference, the focus is on vague promises and financial pledges rather than concrete actions. With migration a divisive issue in the upcoming European elections, there is little political will to increase support for refugees.
The looming threat of a new influx of migrants from Lebanon to Europe has raised concerns among EU countries, with warnings of increased pressure on already strained resources. Without international assistance, the suffering of Syrian refugees is only set to worsen, leaving them abandoned and forgotten in the midst of a protracted conflict.