The Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission (the Commission) is closely following two significant conferences taking place in London today addressing the ongoing Syrian situation:
- European Bank of Reconstruction Development meeting to discuss how the private sector can boost investment in Lebanon and Turkey
- The Civil Society Conference which will hear the voices of refugees and which the UK's international development secretary will be attending Justine Greening
The Commission is mindful that the civil conflict and associated refugee crisis in Syria is now entering its fifth year and sadly there is little evidence of a resolution of the conflict in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the many millions of people living in refugee camps within Syria and neighbouring countries will continue to rely on the humanitarian aid being provided by many international charities.
The Commission met in January 2016 to consider how best to respond on behalf of the people of Guernsey to this ongoing situation. The Commission is very mindful that for many of the refugees camps have become a semi-permanent home for those fleeing the conflict in Syria and so there is a growing need for aid to improve the infrastructure in and safety of the camps. It is also conscious that its disaster relief budget is relatively small - £200,000 per year (compared to the Commission's Grant Aid budget of £2.6 million).
The Commission has decided to extend an invitation issued ahead of its 2017 Grant Aid funding round encouraging charities to apply for funding for projects within the refugee camps in The Lebanon, Jordan, and North Iraq. Such projects may include providing clear water and sanitation facilities, education and health care projects and shelters that are more appropriate to the location of the camps. The 2017 Grant Aid funding round opens in July 2016.
Deputy Mike O'Hara, Commission Chairman, said,
"The Commissioners recognise the need for aid to provide food and other consumable items, but are mindful that the Commission's budget is finite whereas the requirement for consumable items is ongoing. This is why they have decided to continue to invite applications for more sustainable project within the many refugee camps through its Grant Aid Scheme.
The Commissioners are confident that this approach will ensure that any funding from Guernsey addresses a pressing need and is sustainable for as long as the refugee camps may be needed."
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