Syria: Overview of the
Humanitarian Response
Rhoda Margesson
Specialist in International Humanitarian Policy
Susan G. Chesser
Information Research Specialist
September 16, 2013
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R43119
CRS Report for Congress
Pr
epared for Members and Committees of Congress
Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response
Summary
The use of chemical weapons in Syria on August 21, 2013, triggered an intense debate over
possible U.S. military intervention. Chemical weapons use and limited military strikes in
response have the potential to impact an already dire humanitarian situation. The ongoing conflict
in Syria that began in March 2011 has created one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the
world. An estimated 6.8 million people in Syria, almost one-third of the population, have been
affected by the conflict, including estimates of between 4.2 million and 5 million displaced inside
Syria. On September 3, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that the
number of Syrians displaced as refugees exceeded 2 million, with 97% fleeing to countries in the
immediate surrounding region, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and other parts of
North Africa. The situation is fluid and continues to worsen, while humanitarian needs are
immense and increase daily.
U.S. Assistance and Priorities
The United States is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance and is part of the massive,
international humanitarian operation in parts of Syria and in neighboring countries. In FY2012
and as of mid-September 2013, the United States has allocated more than $1 billion to meet
humanitarian needs using existing funding from global humanitarian accounts and some
reprogrammed funding. U.S. humanitarian policy is guided by concerns about humanitarian
access and protection within Syria; the large refugee flows out of the country that strain the
resources of neighboring countries (and could negatively impact the overall stability of the
region); and an already escalating and protracted humanitarian emergency. The Obama
Administration’s FY2014 budget request proposes an increase in FY2014 Emergency Refugees
and Migration Assistance (ERMA) funds with an allocation of $200 million for the humanitarian
response to Syria.
International Response
The international humanitarian response is massive and complex and struggles to keep pace with
urgent developments that have escalated well beyond anticipated needs. Access within Syria is
severely constrained by violence and restrictions imposed by the Syrian government on the
operations of humanitarian organizations. Two U.N. emergency appeals, which identify a total of
$4.4 billion in humanitarian needs for calendar year 2013, are less than 47% funded as of mid-
September 2013.
Ongoing Humanitarian Challenges of the Syria Crisis and U.S. Policy
As U.S. policy makers and the international community deliberate over what, if any, actions they
can or should take on the Syria crisis, possible humanitarian policy considerations for Congress
include
• issues related to U.S. assistance and priorities, such as funding an ongoing
humanitarian response;
• labeling or “branding” of humanitarian aid delivered to Syria so that recipients
are aware of its American origins and the United States receives adequate
political benefit; and
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Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response
• balancing the Syria response with domestic priorities and other humanitarian
concerns worldwide.
The United States has a critical voice regarding humanitarian access in Syria, the pace of
humanitarian developments and contingency planning, support to neighboring countries that are
hosting refugees, and burdensharing among donors.
This report examines the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and the U.S. and international
response and will be updated as events warrant. For background and information on Syria, see
CRS Report RL33487, Armed Conflict in Syria: Background and U.S. Response, by Jeremy M.
Sharp and Christopher M. Blanchard, and CRS Report R43201, Possible U.S. Intervention in
Syria: Issues for Congress, coordinated by Christopher M. Blanchard and Jeremy M. Sharp. See
also CRS Report R42848, Syria’s Chemical Weapons: Issues for Congress, coordinated by Mary
Beth D. Nikitin.
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Contents
Background and Context ................................................................................................................. 1
Evolving Humanitarian Situation .................................................................................................... 2
Situation in Syria ....................................................................................................................... 3
Situation in Neighboring Countries ........................................................................................... 5
U.S. Policy ....................................................................................................................................... 8
U.S. Funding and Allocation ..................................................................................................... 9
Funding for Future Humanitarian Assistance in Syria ............................................................ 11
Branding .................................................................................................................................. 11
U.N. and International Humanitarian Efforts ................................................................................ 12
International Response Framework ......................................................................................... 12
U.N. Appeals and Other Donor Funding ................................................................................. 13
Syria Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan ................................................................. 14
Regional Refugee Response Plan ...................................................................................... 14
Contributions Outside the U.N. Appeals ........................................................................... 15
Looking Ahead: Key Challenges ................................................................................................... 16
Figures
Figure 1. Map of Syria: Areas of Conflict and Refugee Camps ...................................................... 4
Figure 2. Number of Syrian Refugees Registered with the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and
Northern Africa ............................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 3. Distribution of Refugees, by Country .............................................................................. 8
Tables
Table 1. U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to the Syria Complex Emergency ...................................... 9
Table 2. 2013 International and U.S. Funding, by Destination Country ........................................ 10
Table 3. 2012 International and U.S. Funding, by Destination Country ........................................ 10
Table 4. 2013 Requirements and Funding Received for the Syria Humanitarian Assistance
Response Plan (SHARP) ............................................................................................................ 14
Table 5. 2013 Requirements and Funding for the Syria Regional Refugee Response Plan
(RRP) .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 6. 2013 Total Requirements and Funding Received for Syrian Crisis ................................. 15
Table B-1. Agencies Implementing Projects within the Syria Humanitarian Assistance
Response Plan (SHARP), the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP), and Projects
Outside the Appeals .................................................................................................................... 19
Table D-1. Top 25 Country Donors in Response to the Syria Arab Republic Civil Unrest
Humanitarian Funding ................................................................................................................ 22
Table E-1. Pledges Not Converted ................................................................................................. 23
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Appendixes
Appendix A. Selected Implementing Partners Receiving U.S. Funding, 2013 ............................. 18
Appendix B. Selected Humanitarian Projects in Syria and the Region ......................................... 19
Appendix C. Selected Humanitarian Partners Serving the Syria Arab Republic Civil
Unrest, 2013................................................................................................................................ 21
Appendix D. U.S. and International Humanitarian Country Donors to the Syria Crisis,
2012-2013 ................................................................................................................................... 22
Appendix E. 2013 Pledges Not Converted to Commitments or Contributions as of
September 11, 2013 .................................................................................................................... 23
Contacts
Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 24
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Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response
Background and Context1
Congress has demonstrated an ongoing interest in many different aspects of the more than two-
year civil war in Syria. The humanitarian situation, for one, has garnered significant bipartisan
attention. Members have proposed and enacted legislation addressing the issue and have held
hearings on the U.S. and international humanitarian response to the conflict. Although not
discussed in this report, the use of chemical weapons in Syria on August 21, 2013, triggered an
intense debate over possible U.S. military intervention.2 Chemical weapons use and limited
military strikes in response have the potential to impact an already dire humanitarian situation.
Humanitarian assistance has traditionally been one of the
least controversial types of foreign aid, and in the Syria
Estimated Numbers at a
context, it has so far been one avenue in which the United
Glance
States has provided support to Syrian civilians absent a
(As of September 16, 2013)
political solution. The United States remains the largest
Syria’s total population:
humanitarian donor, currently providing roughly 27% of
21.4 million
the funding for the humanitarian response in calendar year
Number in need of humanitarian
(CY) 2012 and to date in 2013. U.S. humanitarian policy
assistance:
is guided by concerns about access and protection within
6.8 million
Syria; the large refugee flows out of the country that strain
Number of children in need:
the resources of neighboring countries (and could
3.1 million
negatively impact the overall stability of the region); and
Number of Internally Displaced Persons
an already escalating and protracted humanitarian
(IDPs) within Syria:
emergency.
4.25 million to 5 million
Number of refugees fleeing Syria and
Along with the international community, the United States
seeking protection in neighboring
provides humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by
countries and North Africa:
the conflict both inside and outside Syria. Such assistance
2 million
includes medical care and medical supplies (including
Source: Inter-Agency Regional Response
immunization programs), food, water, shelter, and other
for Syrian Refugees, September 2013
non-food items such as blankets and clothing. It also
United Nations Office for the
supports programs focused on psycho-social rehabilitation
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs;
of refugees and the prevention of gender-based violence.3
“Number of Syrian Refugees Tops 2
Million Mark with More on the Way,” 3
September 2013, U.N. High
Since the conflict in Syria began in March 2011, it has
Commissioner for Refugees.
reportedly wounded an unknown number of civilians and
1 For background on the Syria situation, see CRS Report RL33487, Armed Conflict in Syria: Background and U.S.
Response, by Jeremy M. Sharp and Christopher M. Blanchard.
2 CRS Report R43201, Possible U.S. Intervention in Syria: Issues for Congress, coordinated by Christopher M.
Blanchard and Jeremy M. Sharp. See also CRS Report R42848, Syria’s Chemical Weapons: Issues for Congress,
coordinated by Mary Beth D. Nikitin.
3 The very nature of humanitarian emergencies—the need to respond quickly in order to save lives and provide relief—
has resulted in a broad definition of humanitarian assistance, on both a policy and operational level. While
humanitarian assistance is assumed to address urgent food, shelter, and medical needs, the agencies within the U.S.
government providing this support expand or contract the definition in response to circumstances.
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claimed tens of thousands of lives. Some estimate the death toll to be as many as 100,000 and
others say it is likely much higher.4 It has also displaced millions inside Syria and across borders
into neighboring countries.
In addition, allegations by human rights groups of serious human rights violations have emerged
over the past two years and increased in recent months. Observers claim that hundreds of
detainees and political prisoners have died under torture. The U.N. Independent International
Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic pointed to the “reckless manner in which
parties to the conflict conduct hostilities” as a main cause of the civilian casualties and
displacement.5 The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has repeatedly urged all
sides to fully comply with international humanitarian law. On August 2, 2013, Valerie Amos,
U.N. Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, U.N.
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (UNOCHA), publicly called for all
parties to end the violence, allow access for aid organizations, and “respect their obligations
under international human rights and humanitarian law.”6 The United States and many other
countries have increasingly recognized the human rights crisis, which not only exacerbates the
humanitarian situation, but raises the prospect that atrocities reaching the level of crimes against
humanity and war crimes by armed groups may have been committed, including the use of
chemical weapons that killed (by some reports) as many as 1,400 civilians on August 21. Outside
Syria, humanitarian workers have observed a sharp rise in gender-based crimes, including rape
and sexual violence, as well as exploitation and discrimination in refugee camps and informal
settlements.
The short-to-medium-term outlook for the resolution of the conflict in Syria and impact on its
neighbors is not positive. The United States and other third parties face a number of difficult
policy choices with limited potential to decisively shape the overall outcome. These issues are
addressed in other CRS reports. As the international community deliberates over what action it
can or should take on the crisis, a massive humanitarian operation is under way in parts of Syria
and in neighboring countries.
Evolving Humanitarian Situation
The humanitarian situation in Syria and in neighboring countries is dire. As conditions inside
Syria continue to deteriorate, UNOCHA estimates that, as of September 2013, of an overall
4 On January 2, 2013, the U.N. Human Rights Office reported individuals killed in Syria between March 15, 2011, and
November 30, 2012, numbered 60,000. The figure did not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Navi
Pillay, the U.N. Human Rights Commissioner, stressed the analysis was a work in progress. See http://www.ohchr.org/
EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12912&LangID=E. Seven independent groups reportedly
contributed to the data analysis, which caused some to question the integrity of the results. The United Nations and
others have since cited the 60,000 number as a base figure and added to it over time; for example, subsequent figures
cited are 80,000 and then in July 2013, 100,000. An updated study conducted by data specialists on behalf of the Office
of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights reported 92,901 documented cases of individuals killed in Syria
between March 2011 and the end of April 2013. It remains unclear how many of these casualties are civilian. See
“Updated Statistical Analysis of Documentation of Killings in the Syrian Arab Republic,” Commissioned by the Office
of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Human Rights Data Analysis Group, June 13, 2013.
5 Report of Commission of Inquiry on Syria A/HRC/22/59, February 5, 2013.
6 U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Humanitarian Bulletin: Syria,” Issue 31, 30 July – 12
August, 2013.
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population of just fewer than 21.4 million, at least one-third (6.8 million people) are in need of
humanitarian assistance, including between 4.2 million and 5 million displaced inside Syria.7 On
September 3, UNHCR announced that the number of Syrians that have been displaced as
refugees, primarily to countries in the immediate surrounding region, exceeded 2 million.
Situation in Syria
Fighting and violence, population displacement, lack of basic public services, and economic
collapse drive the humanitarian crisis. The conflict has brought out social, political, and sectarian
tensions among Syrians in general amid concerns for minority groups in particular. The
destruction of housing and infrastructure (hospitals, schools) combined with economic collapse
has affected most Syrians. Food, water, sanitation, medical assistance, shelter, and essential non-
food items are critically needed, particularly in areas that have seen intense fighting.
The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)—estimated between 4.2 million and 5
million—is very fluid. Many Syrians, some of whom have been displaced multiple times, leave
their homes to escape violence and then return when conflict in their area decreases. It is not clear
how many IDPs are affected by repeat displacements, nor if, or how often, they are included in
IDP counts. Many IDPs stay in unofficial shelters, unfinished buildings, makeshift
accommodations, and unofficial camps. IDPs are predominantly women, children, and the
elderly. The numbers of IDPs are highest in the governorates of Aleppo and Rural Damascus.
(See map.)
7 U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Humanitarian Bulletin: Syria,” Issue 31, 30 July – 12
August, 2013.
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Figure 1. Map of Syria: Areas of Conflict and Refugee Camps
Source: Created by CRS based on the map of the U.S. Department of State, Humanitarian Information Unit,
Syria: Numbers and Locations of Refugees and IDPs, May 1, 2013.
Syria also hosts refugees from elsewhere, and these populations have been vulnerable to the
conflict. Of the estimated 530,000 Palestinian refugees living in Syria, approximately 420,000
require humanitarian assistance, of which 235,000—nearly half of the original number of
Palestinian refugees hosted by Syria—have been internally displaced. In addition, more than
92,000 Palestinian refugees have approached the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Lebanon and 8,833 have registered with UNRWA in
Jordan. Reportedly, Palestinian refugees in Syria are disproportionally and increasingly
vulnerable. Many are living in areas that have seen intense fighting; they have nowhere to go
within Syria and external flight options are limited. There have been reports of some Palestinian
refugees finding their way to Gaza, Egypt, and Turkey, and in smaller numbers to Malaysia,
Thailand, and Indonesia.
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Syria also hosts approximately 68,000 registered refugees who originate mainly from Iraq,
Afghanistan, Somalia, and Sudan. Other vulnerable populations include third country nationals
and vulnerable migrants. At this point it is not known how many of the refugee and vulnerable
populations have been displaced. Moreover, these numbers do not account for populations who
may have been living in Syria, but were not registered as refugees. For example, it is thought that
1 million or more Iraqis fled to Syria from Iraq between 2003 and 2006; current estimates suggest
this number is now approximately 500,000, of which about 10% are registered with UNHCR.
Situation in Neighboring Countries
The threat of a fragmented Syria and difficult challenges for neighboring countries hosting
refugees have created a fragile security and political environment. As of September 3, 2013, more
than 2 million Syrians have been forced to flee the violence and conflict with 97% seeking refuge
in countries in the immediate surrounding region, primarily Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt,
and in other parts of North Africa. The number of registered refugees (or those awaiting
registration) has increased dramatically in the last four months.8 Many observers are predicting a
further spike in the number of displaced persons. Broadly, UNHCR estimates that since January
2013 there has been an average of roughly 200,000 new refugees every month, mostly seeking
refuge in neighboring countries and North Africa. Experts recognize that this number is likely
much higher as some Syrians have not registered, presumably from fear, pride, or other reasons,
and have chosen instead to blend in with the local population, living in rented accommodations
and makeshift shelters, particularly in towns and cities.
The added economic, energy, and natural resource pressures of large Syrian refugee populations
weigh heavily on neighboring countries, particularly in Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Palestinian
refugees from Syria also complicate the underlying political dynamics of Lebanon and Jordan,
where large Palestinian refugee populations already reside. The governments of countries hosting
refugees have concerns about the potential political implications of allowing displaced
populations to remain, especially for a protracted period of time.
8 Registration of refugees is a key step to ensure individuals have access to services and assistance. With the large
number of refugees seeking assistance in neighboring countries, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
cannot immediately register all those who seek asylum. Those who approach UNHCR and cannot be registered are
given appointments and are considered to be “awaiting registration.” Only the more vulnerable individuals receive
assistance while waiting to be registered. UNHCR is trying to increase registration capacity and reduce waiting periods
in countries hosting Syrian refugees.
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Figure 2. Number of Syrian Refugees Registered with the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and
Northern Africa
(An additional 187,416 persons are awaiting registration as of September 11, 2013.)
2,000,000
1,842,774
1,800,000
1,584,609
1,600,000
1,400,000
1,286,802
1,200,000
1,000,000
882,529
800,000
510,904
600,000
400,000
23,317
207,387
57,615
349,405
200,000
11,966
105,563
0
Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
at its Inter-agency Information sharing Portal on the Syria Regional Refugee Response at http://data.unhcr.org/
syrianrefugees/regional.php.
Notes: All figures are taken from the 15th day of each month, except the last number, which was taken on
September 11, 2013.
The types of assistance and shelter options available to refugees vary in the countries that are
hosting refugees. In Turkey, Jordan, and Iraq, there are 24 refugee camps and new camps are
under construction. In camps, assistance is provided by host governments and the international
community, and there are concerns about overcrowding and the risk of disease. The U.N. Office
for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (UNOCHA) estimates that the majority of
Syrian refugees (perhaps as many as 77%) are living outside camps in mostly urban settings. The
biggest challenge is shelter. The refugees outside of camps face high rental rates, overcrowding,
and competition for space in addition to other living expenses and limited, if any, work
opportunities. Preparing for the onset of winter is increasingly a critical priority. Some country-
specific issues are addressed in the “Refugees in Neighboring Countries” text box.
Refugees in Neighboring Countries
(Profiles as of September 2013)
Lebanon. Syrian refugees are living with host communities and in settlements, but not in camps. Those who are
registered (and those awaiting registration) are receiving protection and assistance from the United Nations, NGOs,
and the Lebanese government. The number of Syrians in Lebanon is thought to be higher than the refugee numbers
suggest, as many have not registered. The government of Lebanon estimates that it may be hosting 1 million or more
Syrians. The security situation in Tripoli and northern/eastern border villages remains insecure and is impeding
humanitarian access and provision of services. An increasing number of refugees are scattered in tented settlements
in eastern Lebanon.
Turkey. Turkey is hosting refugees in 20 government-run refugee camps across 10 provinces. The Turkish
government has registered an estimated 200,000 Syrians living outside camps in urban areas. Admission of new
arrivals is being approved as space becomes available and as new camps open. A small number of Syrians have
voluntarily returned from Turkey to Syria.
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Jordan. Some Syrians are in camps, the largest of which is Za’atri camp, but approximately 70% live with host
communities. Although there are more than 450,000 registered Syrian refugees, the government of Jordan estimates
that the numbers are much higher. Daily refugee arrivals continue, but the number being registered has decreased
from 2,500 daily. The government of Jordan estimates another 500 to 700 Syrians cross the border illegally each day.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-funded camp is being run by the United Arab Red Crescent Society. A camp at
Azraq is under construction and expected to be completed this month.
Iraq. Syrian refugee camps are established in Al Qa’im and Domiz. Ninety five percent of the Syrian refugees
registered in Iraq are located in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). Roughly half of Syrian refugees are living with host
communities. As of mid-September 2013, the Al Qa’im border remains closed except for family unification and
Syrians in need of medical attention; other border crossing points have opened at different points, leading to
fluctuations in the number of Syrians entering the IKR . Ground preparations for a new camp in Erbil Governorate
are underway and the office of the governor of Dohuk made a proposal to open a new camp in the eastern part of
the governnorate to ease crowding at Domiz camp.
North Africa and Egypt. The government of Egypt had earlier granted refugees visa-free entry into the country as
wel as access to schools and hospitals under a six-month residency, although Palestinian refugees were denied the
ability to register in Egypt. A month-long state of emergency has now been declared. The number of Syrians who have
approached UNHCR for registration has increased and exceeds the planning figure projected for December 2013.
UNHCR is developing a contingency plan with partners to respond to the evolving situation. UNHCR has registered
refugees in Libya and provided them with relief items. A small number of refugees have also been registered in
Morocco and Algeria. The total number of refugees and those awaiting registration in North Africa and Egypt has
steadily increased.
Europe. An estimated 33,000 Syrians have fled to European countries. Some countries have agreed to provide
temporary or permanent resettlement options to Syrian refugees.
Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey host the vast majority of the displaced populations outside Syria.
(See Figure 2.) The United States and the international community have recognized the
contribution of those countries hosting refugees and supported their efforts, while encouraging
them to keep their borders open to those fleeing conflict in Syria. In recent weeks, the number of
refugees crossing into neighboring countries has decreased at some border points because
refugee-hosting countries have taken steps to restrict the flow, causing those fleeing Syria to be
stranded inside its border areas.
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Figure 3. Distribution of Refugees, by Country
(Refugees registered or awaiting registration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as
of September 11, 2013)
Turkey
Egypt + N.
463,885
Africa
23%
131,759
6%
Iraq
183,195
9%
Lebanon
731,675
36%
Jordan
519,676
26%
Source: Syria Regional Refugee Response, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,
http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/regional.php.
Notes: North Africa countries include Morocco, Algeria, and Libya.
U.S. Policy
The Obama Administration has consistently supported providing humanitarian assistance to all
civilians affected by the conflict in Syria. It is working closely with neighboring countries, other
governments, the United Nations, and humanitarian partners in its response to the crisis. Congress
has also demonstrated sustained interest and bipartisan support for a robust U.S. humanitarian
response, although Members may be divided over other dimensions of U.S. policy.9
U.S. humanitarian priorities in Syria include
• providing as much humanitarian assistance as possible through partners and
multilateral mechanisms;
• supporting protection activities for vulnerable populations;
• helping to develop a strong multilateral response to support countries hosting
refugees;
• encouraging donor pledges and contributions; and
9 For example, several bills in the 113th Congress include provisions that address humanitarian issues, such as H.R.
1327, the Free Syria Act of 2013; S. 617, the Syria Democratic Transition Act of 2013, and S. 960, Syria Transition
Support Act of 2013; and hearings, including one held by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, “Syria’s
Humanitarian Crisis,” March 19, 2013, and another held by the U.S. Helsinki Commission, “Fleeing to Live: Syrian
Refugees in the OSCE Region,” June 13, 2013.
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• building capacity within Syria and among its neighbors for immediate assistance,
contingency planning, and the possibility of a protracted crisis.
The Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) of the U.S. Agency
for International Development (USAID) and the State Department’s Bureau of Population,
Refugees, and Migration (PRM) coordinate U.S. humanitarian assistance for Syria.
U.S. Funding and Allocation
In FY2012 and as of September 13, 2013, the United States has allocated more than $1 billion for
humanitarian activities both inside Syria and in neighboring countries. This includes $24.6
million in emergency food assistance announced on April 20, 2013, $100 million in additional
humanitarian support announced on May 8, $300 million in life-saving assistance announced on
June 17, and $195 million announced on August 7. The U.S. contribution has been allocated in
response to two separate U.N. humanitarian appeals, as well as supporting other projects using
existing funding from global humanitarian accounts and some reprogrammed funding.10
Table 1. U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to the Syria Complex Emergency
For Needs in Syria and Neighboring Countries (as of September 12, 2013)
U.S. Agency
Amount
USAID/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)
$208,811,613
USAID/Food For Peace (FFP)
$312,783,482
State Department/Bureau of Population, Refugees and
Migration (PRM)
$488,759,100
Total $1,010,354,195
Source: USAID, “Syria – Complex Emergency” Fact Sheet #23, Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, September 12, 2013.
Notes: Global humanitarian accounts include International Disaster Assistance (IDA), Migration and Refugee
Assistance (MRA), Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance (ERMA) and emergency food assistance, Food
for Peace (FFP).
See Appendix A for a selected list of implementing partners receiving U.S. funding in FY2013.
On April 5, 2013, the State Department notified Congress of its intent to reprogram $220 million
originally appropriated to the FY2012 Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Funds to the
humanitarian crisis in Syria. This would include $120 million for the International Disaster
Assistance (IDA) account and $100 million for the Migration Refugee Assistance (MRA)
account.11
U.S. assistance is distributed based on need throughout all 14 governorates of Syria. The United
States is working through a number of channels to provide this assistance, including U.N. entities,
10 The appeals process brings aid organizations together to coordinate a response and appeal for funds through a
collaborative plan. The two U.N. appeals, the Syria Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan and the Regional
Response Plan, are described in the next section, “U.N. and International Humanitarian Efforts.”
11 According to the State Department, as of mid-April 2013, there has only been one account transfer to address
humanitarian needs. CN 13-076 notified Congress of the State Department’s intent to transfer the $220 million.
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non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based partners, and the Syrian Opposition
Coalition’s Assistance Coordination Unit. In addition, the United States works with host countries
in the region that support the influx of Syrian refugees. The distribution of its humanitarian
assistance is listed in the tables below.
Table 2. 2013 International and U.S. Funding, by Destination Country
(As of September 11, 2013)
2013 Funding from the United
2013 Funding
2013 Funding from All Donors,
States, as of September 11,
from the
as of September 11, 2013
2013
United States
as a
2013
2013
Percentage of
Destination
Contributed/
Contributed/
Total Funding
Country
Committeda 2013
Pledgedb
Committed 2013
Pledged
Egypt $16,360,787 0
$7,400,000 0
45%
Iraq $92,133,633
0
$35,260,000
0
38%
Jordan $531,261,610 0
$102,000,155 0
19%
Lebanon $542,010,067
0
$113,900,000
0
21%
Region $799,676,384
$1,018,019,699
$125,881,800 0
16%
Syrian Arab
Republic
$984,532,826 $4,041,603
$394,829,389 $3,000,000 40%
Turkey $119,543,734 0
$38,893,000 0
33%
TOTAL
$3,085,519,041 $1,022,061,302
$818,164,344
$3,000,000
27%
Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=
home.
a. Contribution: the actual payment of funds or transfer of in-kind goods from the donor to the recipient.
Commitment: a legal, contractual obligation between the donor and recipient entity, specifying the amount
to be contributed.
b. Pledge: a non-binding announcement of an intended contribution or al ocation by the donor.
Table 3. 2012 International and U.S. Funding, by Destination Country
2012 Funding from the United
2012 Funding
2012 Funding from All Donors
States
from the
United States
2012
2012
as a
Destination
Contributed/
Contributed/
Percentage of
Countries
Committeda 2012
Pledgedb
Committed 2012
Pledged
Tot
al Funding
Egypt
$577,461 0 0 0
0%
Iraq $13,747,124
0
$2,820,503
0
21%
Jordan $217,168,068 0
$20,435,974 0
9%
Lebanon $122,651,848
0
$18,124,211
0
15%
Region $140,400,582
$98,908,318
$16,767,717 0
12%
Syrian Arab
$383,296,751 $2,817,947
$115,034,564
0 30%
Republic
Turkey $68,902,082 0
$16,219,312 0
24%
TOTAL
$946,743,916 $101,726,265 $189,402,281
0
20%
Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=
home.
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a. Contribution: the actual payment of funds or transfer of in-kind goods from the donor to the recipient.
Commitment: a legal, contractual obligation between the donor and recipient entity, specifying the amount
to be contributed.
b. Pledge: a non-binding announcement of an intended contribution or al ocation by the donor. Funding for
Future Humanitarian Assistance in Syria.
Funding for Future Humanitarian Assistance in Syria
The Obama Administration has not elaborated on how it plans to meet future Syria-related needs
for the remainder of FY2013. The Administration could continue to draw down global
humanitarian accounts, such as MRA or IDA, and if necessary request a supplemental
appropriation to replenish them, or use Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance (ERMA)
funds. Possible options could also include reprogramming funds from the Overseas Contingency
Operations (OCO) account.12
The Administration’s FY2014 budget request total for global humanitarian accounts, including
two State Department accounts (MRA and ERMA) and USAID’s IDA account, overall proposes
almost 9% less funding for global humanitarian activities compared to FY2012 enacted levels due
in part to food aid reform measures. However, the proposed increase in FY2014 ERMA funds
shows an allocation of $200 million for the humanitarian response to Syria.
The sharp increase in needs of Syrians affected by the conflict may lead Congress to decide to
authorize and appropriate humanitarian assistance specifically for Syria. Members may also
consider future funding requests from the Administration, including a potential supplemental
request, if the situation worsens or persists. It remains to be seen how needs related to the Syria
crisis are to be balanced with other humanitarian priorities worldwide, particularly if a major
disaster or crisis occurs.
Branding
Many Members of Congress have demonstrated an interest in the labeling or “branding” of U.S.
humanitarian aid delivered to Syria so that recipients are aware of its American origins. This issue
is complicated in the Syria context. Very little U.S. assistance is currently being branded. The
U.S. government is trying to balance the desire to maintain visibility as a contributor of
humanitarian assistance with concerns for the security of aid recipients and implementing
partners who could become possible targets of attacks. Finding appropriate ways for the United
States to leverage its political objectives without politicizing humanitarian aid remains a
significant challenge. There has been some debate about whether the United States is receiving
adequate political benefit from its humanitarian assistance efforts. Anecdotal evidence from field
reports and implementing partners suggests that many Syrians who may be receiving U.S.
assistance remain unaware of its origins, or assume it is from a foreign government other than the
United States.
In response, some Members of Congress and observers have argued that the United States should
begin to more aggressively brand U.S. aid to enhance local perceptions that the people of the
12 Funding for OCO supports “extraordinary, but temporary, costs of the Department of State and USAID in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and Pakistan. See Executive Budget Summary, Function 150 & Other International Programs, Fiscal Year
2014, and p. 97.
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United States stand in solidarity with Syrians.13 Humanitarian groups argue that objectives such
as winning hearts and minds potentially compromise the neutrality of humanitarian assistance in
general. In the context of Syria, experts contend that if a U.S.-funded clinic were to be targeted
for its U.S. affiliation, it could jeopardize much broader humanitarian efforts there. Moreover, it is
unclear whether raising awareness of U.S. humanitarian assistance would do much to change
perceptions, as Syrians who support the opposition want weapons and other kinds of military
help. The Administration is reportedly looking into ways of branding U.S aid that do not
jeopardize the safety of those on the ground.
U.N. and International Humanitarian Efforts
International efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Syria range from global U.N. appeals
to on-the-ground food aid to communities and assistance in camps and settlements. The following
sections describe these and other activities in more detail.
International Response Framework
International humanitarian agencies and governments continue to work in Syria and in countries
in the region to provide and coordinate assistance to the civilian populations. UNOCHA leads the
humanitarian effort within Syria and has established relief sectors—or “clusters”—where
possible. UNHCR leads efforts to provide assistance to Syrian refugees in neighboring countries,
including non-food items such as shelter, clothing, fuel, cash assistance, and other essential items,
as well as assistance to host communities that are supporting refugees.
In Syria, humanitarian access is constrained by a number of factors, including insecurity and
conflict, lack of transportation, and limited availability of fuel. The Syrian regime significantly
restricts the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate by imposing bureaucratic and
administrative obstacles, such as visa restrictions for U.N. staff, international organizations, and
NGOs, and limiting the number of humanitarian partnerships. While the Syrian government has
permitted some aid deliveries across conflict lines (“cross-line”) from Damascus to opposition-
held areas using interagency humanitarian convoys, numerous checkpoints are in place en route.
Cross-border access to deliver humanitarian assistance from neighboring countries to opposition
areas requires the agreement and cooperation of the Syrian authorities, which has so far not been
forthcoming.
A number of independent aid agencies are reportedly using a two-track system for aid delivery
into Syria. One is through official channels in Damascus, the other through cross-border
mechanisms, such as trucking aid through Jordan and Turkey. U.N. agencies are not allowed to
work across borders without Syria’s consent, unless authorized by the U.N. Security Council.
Speaking before the Security Council on April 18, 2013, Valerie Amos, U.N. Under Secretary
General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged the Council to grant
aid agencies cross-border access without the Syrian government’s permission. Experts recognize
13 See USAID, “Syria–Complex Emergency,” Fact Sheet #10 FY2013, February 28, 2013. Sly, Liz, “U.S. Feeds
Syrians, But Discreetly: Humanitarian Aid Operation Shrouded in Secrecy to Protect Recipients and Delivery Staff,”
Washington Post, April 15, 2013, p. 1.
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that providing humanitarian assistance within Syria may help to stem the tide of refugees seeking
assistance across borders.
In Syria, the United Nations and its partners have identified activities in different sectors that
reflect the key priorities. Relief sectors include food security; community services and protection;
health; food; water and sanitation; and shelter and non-food items. (For examples of humanitarian
activities, see Appendix B.)
Organizations operating in-country include the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), a key Syrian
implementing partner with more than 10,000 volunteers.14 The International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC), while maintaining its independence as a separate international organization,
works with the SARC throughout the country. A number of other organizations are also working
on the humanitarian response. These include 10 U.N. agencies, plus the U.N. Department of
Safety and Security (UNDSS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and 12
international NGOs that have been authorized by the government of Syria to work with SARC. In
addition, a handful of other international NGOs have agreements with relevant Syrian ministries.
In January 2013, the government of Syria authorized 110 national NGOs to provide humanitarian
assistance in partnership with the United Nations. With no explanation, the government later
reduced this list to about 29 NGOs. U.N. agencies have set up or are in the process of setting up
hubs in several locations throughout the country.
The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is also
actively responding to the needs of Palestinian refugees affected by the conflict in Syria and those
who have fled to other areas within UNRWA’s mandate, particularly Jordan and Lebanon. For
examples of humanitarian partners working in Syria and neighboring countries, see Appendix C.
U.N. Appeals and Other Donor Funding
Donor funding is usually provided in response to a crisis in the form of financial contributions or
relief supplies.15 The Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP), administered through UNOCHA,
brings aid organizations together to coordinate a response to major humanitarian crises and
disasters and appeal for funds through a collaborative plan. Funding provided for the Syria
humanitarian crisis is in part through two separate U.N. CAP appeals: the Syrian Humanitarian
Assistance Response Plan (SHARP) and the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP).
Contributions to the crisis have also been made outside of the U.N. appeals process.
The SHARP and RRP appeals have been revised several times as the Syria crisis has evolved and
humanitarian needs have increased. The December 18, 2012, version of the appeals was the
fourth revision and covered the period January to June 2013. The fifth revision of the appeals,
covering all of 2013, was launched on June 7, 2013. Together the SHARP and RRP appeals total
14 The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a humanitarian network that provides protection and
assistance to people affected by conflict and disasters. The Movement is not a single organization. It has three main
components, all of which are guided by seven fundamental principles, including impartiality and neutrality: The
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies (IFRC), and 188 individual national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, of which SARC is one.
15 Funding numbers are fluid and subject to change. A full accounting is typically not possible for any crisis. This may
be for a variety of reasons: some assistance is not reported to governments and coordinating agencies; there may be
delays in recording; and in-kind contributions can be difficult to value (this is typically left to the donor country or
organization and can lead to differing standards and lack of consistency across sectors).
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almost $4.4 billion (nearly three times the amount of the December 2012 half-year appeals). In
addition, the governments of Lebanon and Jordan seek $449 million and $380 million,
respectively, to provide assistance to refugees in their countries. The combined total is $5 billion,
making it the largest appeal in the history of the United Nations.
Funding commitments made during the first half of 2013 have been incorporated into the revised
appeals. As of September 13, 2013, taken together the appeals are less than 47% funded. See
Appendix D for a list of the top 25 donors to the Syria crisis in 2012 and 2013.
Syria Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan
The Syria Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan (SHARP), which includes U.N. entities and
humanitarian partners, is a U.N. appeal seeking $1.4 billion for projects inside Syria from January
1 to December 31, 2013.16 Forty-seven percent of the required funds have been received as of
mid-September. The plan addresses the needs of Syrians affected by conflict inside Syria. Its
priorities include providing relief supplies such as food, healthcare, and water to the most
vulnerable; assisting people who have fled their homes and the communities hosting them; and
supporting reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals. The latest revision
outlines strategic objectives and builds on findings from sectoral assessments conducted during
the first half of 2013.
Table 4. 2013 Requirements and Funding Received for the Syria Humanitarian
Assistance Response Plan (SHARP)
Syria Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan (SHARP): January-December 2013
Original
Revised
Funding
Unmet
Requirements
Requirements
Receiveda
Requirements
% Funded
$519,627,047
$1,409,812,466
$659,060,548
$750,751,918
47%
Source: Compiled by CRS using information provided by the Financial Tracking Service.
a. Contributions and commitments received as of September 11, 2013.
Regional Refugee Response Plan
A second U.N. appeal seeks nearly $3 billion for a Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) to
cover the protection and assistance needs of up to 3.4 million Syrian refugees in the region and
covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2013.17 As of mid-September 2013,
approximately 42% of the funds for the latest RRP have been received. The current plan brings
together the coordinated efforts of over 84 international and national organizations with UNHCR
continuing to lead the overall response.18 The main priorities for the RRP include protection, life-
saving assistance, access to basic services, durable solutions (such as resettlement), and
community outreach to refugees residing in urban areas and support to host communities.
16The SHARP appeal for the first half of 2013 was for $519.6 million.
17 The RRP appeal for the first half of 2013 was for $1.1 billion. The revised RRP also aims to assist 1.75 million host
country nationals and 100,000 Palestinian refugees.
18 Palestinian Refugees are mostly covered under support provided through UNRWA.
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Table 5. 2013 Requirements and Funding for the Syria Regional Refugee Response
Plan (RRP)
Syria Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP): January-December 2013
Original
Revised
Funding
Unmet
Requirements
Requirements
Receiveda
Requirements
% Funded
$1,044,112,554
$2,981,640,112
$1,250,553,556
$1,731,086,556
42%
Source: Compiled by CRS using information provided by the Financial Tracking Service.
a. Contributions and commitments received as of September 11, 2013.
Contributions Outside the U.N. Appeals
Additional bilateral and other contributions and pledges are also made outside of the U.N. appeals
through direct bilateral assistance to governments, international organizations, and NGOs. Some
analysts claim that a lack of transparency about these contributions makes it difficult to know
what is being funded, where aid may be duplicated, and whether it is being distributed equitably
among groups of different ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
Table 6. 2013 Total Requirements and Funding Received for Syrian Crisis
2013 Total Funding to Appeals (SHARP and RRP) and Projects Outside the Appeals
Total
Funding to
Funding
the Syrian
Funding
Received for
Crisis 2013
Original
Revised
Received by
Unmet
Projects
(Appeals and
Requirement
Requirement
Appeals
Requirement
% Appeals
Outside the
Other
s for Appeals
s for Appeals
Agenciesa
s for Appeals
are Funded
Appealsa
Projects)a
$1,563,739,601 $4,391,452,578 $1,909,614,104 $2,481,838,474
43%
$1,175,904,937 $3,085,519,041
Source: Compiled by CRS using information provided by the Financial Tracking Service.
a. Contributions and commitments received as of September 11, 2013.
In addition, UNOCHA draws on several smaller humanitarian funding sources as follows:
Syria Emergency Response Fund19
UNOCHA established the Emergency Response Fund (ERF) for Syria in mid-2012 to support the
humanitarian response for the Syria crisis. It has provided support to local NGOs working in
conflict areas in Syria that are difficult to reach. It has also provided funding for projects in
Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. As of mid-September 2013, the Syria ERF has received contributions
totaling nearly $49.5 million and allocated $32.7 million to 107 projects.20
19 Emergency Response Funds (ERF), established in 20 countries since 1997, provide NGOs and U.N. agencies rapid
and flexible funding to address gaps in humanitarian response through small grants.
20 U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Humanitarian Bulletin: Syria,” Issue 33, 27 August-9
September 2013.
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Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
As an international, multilateral funding mechanism, the Central Emergency Response Fund
(CERF) aims to focus on early intervention, timely response, and increased capacity and support
to underfunded crises. CERF was launched as part of the U.N. reform process in 2006 to
strengthen the U.N.’s capacity to respond more efficiently, effectively, and consistently to natural
disasters and humanitarian emergencies. It is managed by the Emergency Relief Coordinator and
head of UNOCHA. CERF has provided funds to a number of appealing agencies in Jordan,
Lebanon, and Syria. As of mid-September 2013, with a new allocation of $50 million, the CERF
contribution totals more than $81 million.21
Donor Conferences
On January 30, 2013, donors pledged $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid at the International
Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, hosted by Kuwait and chaired by U.N. Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon. A portion of the pledges made are helping to fund the SHARP and RRP
(U.N. appeals) mentioned above for the humanitarian response in Syria and neighboring
countries. Since then, donors have made other pledges. With the slow pace of funding of these
appeals, concerns remain about whether many of the pledges will result in actual contributions.
See Appendix E for a list of pledges not converted to commitments as of September 11, 2013.
On September 16, Sweden hosted a donor conference, organized by UNOCHA, between donors
and U.N. representatives to discuss coordination of the humanitarian operation in Syria and its
neighboring countries. The forum offered the opportunity to share information and to discuss how
to manage the challenges of supplying humanitarian assistance to those affected by the crisis.
Looking Ahead: Key Challenges
As Congress considers funding and legislation addressing the humanitarian situation in Syria,
Members may want to take a number of challenges and policy issues into account:
• Impeded international humanitarian response. Despite the provision of
substantial humanitarian assistance, insecurity within Syria and lack of
cooperation by the Syrian government has hampered efforts by governments,
U.N. entities, and humanitarian partners to access affected areas to provide
humanitarian assistance to populations in need.
• Funding Shortfalls. Although the United Nations and governments, including
the United States, have worked with both traditional and non-traditional donors
to generate and increase contributions, the two U.N. appeals remain underfunded.
• Willingness and cooperation of neighboring countries. So far, Jordan,
Lebanon, and Turkey have received the vast majority of refugees from Syria. The
United States and the international community have recognized the contribution
of neighboring countries and supported their efforts while simultaneously
21 UNOCHA, “Emergency Relief Coordinator Allocates US$50 Million from CERF for Critical Syria Aid Operations,”
September 13, 2013.
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encouraging them to keep their borders open to those fleeing the conflict.
Nevertheless, in the short term, the increasing numbers of refugees strain the
infrastructure and capacity of these countries, and in the long term, they create
concerns that the situation could become protracted with limited ongoing
international support and attention.
• Ongoing capacity by the international community to keep pace with
humanitarian developments. The urgent humanitarian needs coupled with the
speed at which the situation is changing have many experts concerned that the
international response capacity could be overwhelmed if the current pace and
scope of conflict and displacement continues.
Amid these factors, Congress may also need to weigh the following:
• Balancing priorities. Finding the resources to sustain U.S. aid pledges may be
difficult in light of domestic budget constraints. When humanitarian emergencies
like the Syria situation require immediate emergency relief, the Administration
may fund pledges by depleting most global humanitarian accounts. In order to
respond to future humanitarian crises, however, these resources would need to be
replenished. If not replenished, U.S. capacity to respond to other emergencies
could be diminished.
• Burdensharing. Both Congress and the Administration have encouraged other
countries to provide humanitarian assistance for the Syria situation and to turn
pledges into actual commitments. It is not always evident whether figures listing
donor amounts represent pledges of support or more specific obligations. Pledges
made by governments do not always result in actual contributions, as
demonstrated by the January 2013 donor conference in Kuwait. It also cannot be
assumed that the funds committed to relief actually represent new contributions,
since the money may have been previously allocated elsewhere. Moreover, it is
not readily apparent how the actual costs of a humanitarian emergency might be
shared among international donors. Comparing U.S. assistance and international
aid can also be difficult because of the often dramatically different forms the
assistance takes (relief items versus cash, for instance).
More broadly, political considerations play a role in the way humanitarian assistance is given and
to whom. While the images of human suffering only reinforce the need to “do something,”
humanitarian assistance carries some weight as an instrument of “neutral” intervention and is the
most flexible policy tool that can be quickly brought to bear in a crisis. Sometimes humanitarian
assistance is expanded beyond its immediate function to avert a crisis, to provide support to allies,
and to maintain a presence in the region. How it is used and whether it becomes more of a
strategic, policy tool depends upon the situation, what other governments are doing, and the
degree to which the United States has further interest in the region.
Providing humanitarian assistance also raises questions about implications for future action. On
the one hand, if the United States decides to reduce its humanitarian support to Syria, would this
diminish U.S. standing among its allies or affect its interests in other ways? On the other hand,
since the President has a great deal of flexibility over U.S. involvement, once commitment to a
humanitarian effort is made, does this make the long-term U.S. participation in reconstruction and
political solutions more likely? Regardless, the level and sources of U.S. humanitarian assistance
will inevitably have an important impact not only on the Syrian relief operation itself, but on
broader U.S. foreign policy goals.
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Appendix A. Selected Implementing Partners
Receiving U.S. Funding, 2013
(through September 11, 2013)
Implementing
U.S. Funding
Agency
Received Projects
United Nations High
Providing protection, camp management, shelter and settlements,
Commissioner for
water, sanitation, and hygiene services, education, relief
Refugees (UNHCR)
$272,630,000 commodities, and non-food items to refugees and internally
displaced persons in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, and
Iraq.
World Food Program
Providing emergency food assistance to internally displaced
(WFP) $206,550,155
persons (IDPs) in Syria and to refugees in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey,
Lebanon, and Iraq.
United Nations Relief
Throughout the region, providing shelter, food, relief
and Works Agency for
$52,600,000 commodities, health, protection, education, cash assistance,
Palestine Refugees in the
psychosocial support for children, and water, sanitation, and
Near East (UNRWA)
hygiene to Palestinian refugees who were living in Syria.
United Nations
Maintaining or resuming primary, secondary, and vocational
Children’s Fund
education in Syria; improving access to water, sanitation, and
(UNICEF) $66,000,000
hygiene; protecting children; supporting primary health care
services for children and mothers; providing assistance for
refugee in all destination countries and for IDPs in Syria.
World Health
Providing health services in Syria and Turkey.
Organization
$14,400,000
United Nations
In Turkey, providing gender-based violence prevention and
Population Fund
response services, mental health services, capacity building, and
$3,888,900 protection. In Syria, providing reproductive health care in affected
areas. In Lebanon, providing mental health services, capacity
building, and protection.
International
Supplying relief commodities and border transport in Jordan and
Organization for
$3,000,000 Iraq.
Migration (IOM)
International
To provide health services, relief commodities, shelter, water,
Committee of the Red
$27,600,000 sanitation, and hygiene services, and capacity building throughout
Cross (ICRC)
the region.
International Federation
To be used in Lebanon and Turkey to winterize refugee camps
of Red Cross and Red
$3,500,000 and to provide relief commodities.
Crescent Societies
Other U.N. Agencies,
Providing mental health and psychosocial support services,
NGOs, and other
reproductive health services, livelihood support, capacity building,
recipients (details not
gender-based violence services, shelter and settlements, case
yet provided)
$167,995,289 management, humanitarian aid for refugees and internally
displaced persons, relief commodities, protection, water,
sanitation, and hygiene services, and food assistance throughout
the region.
Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=
home.
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Appendix B. Selected Humanitarian Projects in
Syria and the Region
Table B-1. Agencies Implementing Projects within the Syria Humanitarian
Assistance Response Plan (SHARP), the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP), and
Projects Outside the Appeals
2013
Contributions/Commitments,
2012
Appealing Agency/Organization
as of September 11, 2013
Contributions/Commitments
United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR)
$655,912,312 $199,833,339
In Syria and the region, UNHCR provides shelter and basic non-food items, protection in camps and settlements,
education services, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services. UNHCR is also meeting the urgent basic needs of
flood-affected refugees in Za’atri camp in Jordan.
World Food Program (WFP)
$497,250,779
$164,972,664
Within Syria and the refugee destination countries, the WFP provides emergency food assistance; logistics and
telecommunications coordination to support humanitarian operations; security for humanitarian organizations; and
armored vehicles for WFP personnel.
United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF)
$288,814,779 $90,026,772
UNICEF projects include humanitarian response activities in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq, including the
provision of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene services (WASH) in refugee communities and shelters for internally
displaced persons; the continuation of education of Syrian children in Lebanon; the resumption of education programs
in Syria; the provision of basic health care for children; the provision of child-friendly spaces and psycho-social
support at school and in communities; food aid and immunization programs for children; child protection services in
refugee communities; winter blankets; armored vehicles for safety and security for humanitarian staff.
United Nations Relief and Works
Agency for Palestine Refugees in
$116,769,874 $29,180,912
the Near East (UNRWA)
In Syria and the region, UNRWA projects provide food and non-food assistance to Palestinian refugees who are living
in Syria or who have taken refuge in neighboring countries. UNRWA provides emergency shelter; emergency medical
supplies and health services; emergency cash assistance; access to clean water; emergency hospital care; armored
vehicles for safety of humanitarian workers; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects; shelter; emergency
education; protection.
World Health Organization (WHO)
$85,239,066
$12,189,628
WHO provides operational support for health interventions; offers critical medical assistance, including trauma
services; fills gaps in basic health care; fills supply gaps for management of chronic illnesses; expands nutritional
support services; provides essential medicines and medical equipment for operating theaters and lifesaving surgeries;
and primary health care services for persons in Syria and refugee destination countries.
Emergency Response Fund (United
Nations Office for the Coordination
$25,749,052 $18,826,503
of Humanitarian Affairs UNOCHA)
The Emergency Response Fund for Syria mobilizes and channels resources to humanitarian partners so they may
respond to the crisis in Syria and initiate life-saving humanitarian activities in Syria and neighboring countries.
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2013
Contributions/Commitments,
2012
Appealing Agency/Organization
as of September 11, 2013
Contributions/Commitments
United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA)
$17,005,164 $3,356,698
In Syria and the refugee-destination countries, UNFPA projects provide the fol owing: emergency reproductive health
kits; pharmaceuticals to hosts of refugee communities; reproductive health care, focusing on at-risk pregnancies and
other life-threatening conditions; gender-based violence prevention and response; emergency support to refugee
women and girls; mental health care; protection.
International Committee of the
$102,569,708 $55,303,202
Red Cross
In Syria and the refugee destination countries, the ICRC is providing emergency health and medical assistance,
protection, shelter, WASH services, and protection activities.
Danish Refugee Council
$63,598,535
$16,983,270
The Danish Refugee Council provides emergency shelter assistance and non-food items to displaced persons in Syria.
It also provides cash assistance, clothing and blankets, and emergency assistance to refugees in the region.
Norwegian Refugee Council
$20,363,417
$12,212,823
The Norwegian Refugee Council provides refugees in Lebanon and Jordan with shelter and protection support.
Save the Children
$20,731,773
$5,364,391
Save the Children provides refugees in the region with protection, psychosocial services, shelter kits, vouchers for
clothing and cash assistance, and education services.
Agency for Technical Cooperation
$17,563,107 $2,366,711
and Development (ACTED)
In Lebanon, ACTED provides refugees with hygiene kits and storage containers for water, constructs/rehabilitates
water networks, and constructs/rehabilitates latrines. In Jordan, ACTED assesses and provides health, psycho-social,
legal, education, and family tracing services for children at risk or unaccompanied children. ACTED also renovates and
refurbishes schools for refugee children, provides cash assistance, upgrades sub-standard shelters, and provides safe
access to drinking water, toilets, and soap. In Iraq, ACTED provides work opportunities for refugees.
International Organization for
$30,671,032 $7,891,570
Migration (IOM)
IOM provides IDPs in Syria and refugees who have gone to neighboring countries with emergency shelter materials,
non-food items, emergency healthcare, livelihood support, and transport assistance to camps and settlements.
Mercy Corps.
$31,920,650
$1,693,701
Mercy Corps is integrating Syrian and Iraqi refugee children with disabilities into Jordan’s public schools. In Lebanon,
Mercy Corps provides protection, non-food items, and WASH services for refugees.
Islamic Relief Worldwide
$19,146,676
$1,010,418
Islamic Relief Worldwide provides food, subsidies for rent, non-food items, and hygiene kits to Syrian refugees in the
host countries. Islamic Relief also provides medical aid inside Syria.
Other Appealing Agencies and
Organizations
$1,092,213,117 $325,531,314
TOTAL All Appealing Agencies and
Organizations
$3,085,519,041 $946,743,916
Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=
home.
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Appendix C. Selected Humanitarian Partners
Serving the Syria Arab Republic Civil Unrest, 2013
ACT Al iance/Diakonie Emergency Aid
Action Contre la Faim (ACF)
Adventist Development and Relief Agency
Agency for Technical Cooperation and
AMEL
American Near East Refugee Aid
Development
Arche Nova e.V.—Initiative for People in
Associazione Volontari per il Servizio
Aviation Sans Frontieres
Need
Internazionale
Brotherhood Association Humanity of
Canadian Catholic Organization for
CARE International
Human Rights
Development and Peace
CARITAS
Caritas Lebanon Migrants Center
Catholic Relief Services
Center for Victims of Torture
Danish Refugee Council
Department of Ecumenical Relations and
Development
Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e.V. (German
Emergency Response Fund (OCHA)
FinnChurchAid
Agro Action)
Food & Agriculture Organization of the
Gruppo Volontariato Civile
Handicap International
United Nations (FAO)
HELP e.V.
Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e.V.
International Catholic Migration
Commission
International Committee of the Red Cross International Federation of Red Cross
International Organization for Migration
(ICRC)
and Red Crescent Societies
(IOM)
International Orthodox Christian
International Relief and Development
International Rescue Committee
Charities
Islamic Relief – France
Jesuit Refugee Service
Johanniter Unfallhilfe e.V.
Jordan Health Aid Society
Malteser International
MEDAIR
Médecins du Monde
Medico International
Mercy Corps
Norwegian Refugee Council
Office for the Coordination of
Office of the Regional Humanitarian
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Coordinator
People in Need
Première Urgence—Aide Médicale
Relief International
Internationale
Save the Children
Technisches Hilfswerk (THW)
Terre Des Hommes
Un Ponte Per
Union Des Organisations Syrienne de
United Nations Children’s Fund
Secours Medicaux
(UNICEF)
United Nations Department of Safety and
United Nations Development Program
United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Security
Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
United Nations High Commissioner for
United Nations Humanitarian Response
United Nations Mine Action Service
Refugees (UNHCR)
Depot
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
United Nations Relief and Works
War Child Holland
Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East
World Food Program
World Health Organization (WHO)
World Vision International
Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=
home.
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Appendix D. U.S. and International Humanitarian
Country Donors to the Syria Crisis, 2012-2013
Table D-1. Top 25 Country Donors in Response to the Syria Arab Republic Civil
Unrest Humanitarian Funding
(U.S. $)
Total 2012 + 2013
2013 Contributed/
Contributed/
2012 Contributed/
Committed Funding, as
Donor Countries
Committed Fundinga
Committed Fundinga
of September 11, 2013a
United States
$1,007,566,625
$189,402,281
$818,164,344
European Commission
$726,909,597
$108,618,943
$618,290,654
Kuwait $332,220,977
$8,163,142
$324,057,835
United Kingdom
$268,514,555
$72,176,992
$196,337,563
Germany $264,287,807
$99,291,127
$164,996,680
Saudi Arabia
$117,827,601
$65,935,499
$51,892,102
Denmark $117,405,838
$11,372,872
$51,470,339
Canada $108,843,939
$23,382,589
$85,461,350
Japan $96,304,370
$14,260,875
$82,043,495
Australia $86,732,624
$21,994,202
$64,738,422
Norway $69,366,053
$26,077,908
$43,228,145
Sweden $61,961,470
$25,977,007
$35,984,463
United Arab Emirates
$61,920,744
$14,364,202
$47,556,542
Netherlands $46,001,423
$30,028,753
$15,972,670
Qatar $36,176,964
$33,430,466
$2,746,498
France $35,946,674
$20,503,584
$15,443,090
Switzerland $32,825,326
$16,935,268
$15,890,058
Italy $23,262,704
$9,123,610
$14,139,094
Russian Federation
$22,800,000
$5,000,000
$17,800,000
Finland $15,904,706
$4,617,223
$11,287,483
Belgium $11,529,702
$2,973,897
$8,555,805
Ireland $10,474,262
$2,870,464
$7,603,798
Iraq $9,965,812
$0
$9,965,812
Spain $9,253,029
$2,184,087
$7,068,942
Luxembourg $8,609,899
$2,588,354
$6,021,545
TOTAL Top 25 Donor
$3,582,612,701 $811,273,345
$2,716,776,729
Countries
Private (individuals and
$43,897,213 $19,941,484 $23,955,729
organizations)
TOTAL Other Donors
$405,753,043
$115,529,087
$344,786,583
TOTAL All Donors
$4,032,262,957
$946,743,916
$3,085,519,041
Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=
home.
a. Contribution: the actual payment of funds or transfer of in-kind goods from the donor to the recipient.
Commitment: a legal, contractual obligation between the donor and recipient entity, specifying the amount
to be contributed.
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Appendix E. 2013 Pledges Not Converted to
Commitments or Contributions as of September 11,
2013
Table E-1. Pledges Not Converted
Amount of Pledged
Funds as of September
Donor
Date of Pledgea Amount
Pledged
11, 2013
Bahrain
January 30, 2013
$20,000,000
$20,000,000
Botswana
January 30, 2013
$50,000
$50,000
Brazil
January 30, 2013
$250,000
$100,000
Canada
June 19, 2013
$87,040,619
$46,615,085
Canada August
28,
2013
$389,484
$389,484
Canada
September 6, 2013
$42,897,998
$42,897,998
Croatia
January 30, 2013
$437,666
$437,666
Denmark
January 30, 2013
Two pledges for a total of
0
$10,140,545
Denmark
June 17, 2013
Three pledges for a total
0
of $11,715,335
Germany
July 11, 2013
$651,890
$651,890
India
January 30, 2013
$2,200,000
$2,200,000
Indonesia August
6,
2013
$500,000
0
Iraq
January 30, 2013
$10,000,000
$10,000,000
Italy
January 30, 2013
$29,177,719
$14,850,473
Korea, Republic of
January 30, 2013
$3,000,000
$1,900,000
Mauritania
January 30, 2013
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
Morocco
January 30, 2013
$4,000,000
$4,000,000
Norway
January 30, 2013
$32,362,461
0
Private (individuals and
January 30, 2013
organizations)
$183,000,000 $121,028,575
Qatar
February 21, 2013
$100,000,000
$100,000,000
Romania
January 30, 2013
$100,000
$100,000
Saudi Arabia
January 30, 2013
$78,000,000
$78,000,000
Spain June
7,
2013
$2,002,349
$2,002,349
Switzerland June
7,
2013
$19,246,863 $19,246,863
United Arab Emirates
January 30, 2013
$300,000,000
$263,602,991
United Kingdom
June 18, 2013
$265,957,447
$265,957,447
United States
June 7, 2013
Two pledges for a total of
$3,000,000
$3,000,000
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Source: Compiled by CRS from information provided by the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=
home.
Notes: Contribution: the actual payment of funds or transfer of in-kind goods from the donor to the recipient.
Commitment: a legal, contractual obligation between the donor and recipient entity, specifying the amount to be
contributed.
a. Pledge: a non-binding announcement of an intended contribution or al ocation by the donor.
Author Contact Information
Rhoda Margesson
Susan G. Chesser
Specialist in International Humanitarian Policy
Information Research Specialist
rmargesson@crs.loc.gov, 7-0425
schesser@crs.loc.gov, 7-9547
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