VOA常速英语:Humanitarian Need In Syria

The humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Syria is taking a staggering toll on the people of Syria. More than 100,000 people have died. More than 2 million refugees have fled the violence to seek safety beyond Syria’s borders. More than 5 million people still inside Syria are displaced from their homes, moving from one village to the next as they flee the shifting battle. Many children haven't been to school in two years, and countless women and girls are victims of rape and sexual violence.

In response to escalating needs, the United States has increased its assistance, contributing more than $1.3 billion in humanitarian aid inside Syria and across the region. U.S. aid in Syria is reaching 4.2 million people across all 14 governorates. It is being channeled through all possible means – the United Nations, international and non-governmental organizations, and local Syrian organizations. The United States currently supports 260 medical facilities across Syria, which have treated more than 460,000 patients and performed more than 113,000 surgeries.

The United States is also the largest donor of food to those affected by the Syrian crisis, including those who have fled to neighboring countries. Through the U.N. World Food Program and NGOs, U.S. food assistance currently helps feed three million people inside Syria and more than one million refugees each month in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt.

The single greatest factor limiting delivery of humanitarian aid inside Syria remains access. Consequently, not enough aid is reaching those who need it most. Intensifying violence poses serious threats to brave humanitarian workers who risk detainment or death every day to continue food aid deliveries. The mounting needs are also staggering.

"Never before," said Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development Nancy Lindborg, "has it been so important for all countries to step forward in support of the people of Syria.

Humanitarian assistance is saving lives and helping alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. The United States will continue to press for greater humanitarian access and security for aid workers while also working urgently with the international community to find a political solution to end the bloodshed once and for all.