Assistance for people with disabilities impacted by the Syrian crisis

Yesterday, at the Global Disability Summit in London, DFAT announced that the Australian Government will provide $16.4 million to address the needs of people with disabilities affected by the conflict in Syria.

Almost one-quarter of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon experience some type of disability, many as a direct result of the war.

This funding will assist survivors in Syria and educate communities about the threat of unexploded ordnance. It also includes targeted support to enable children with disabilities to participate in public schooling in Lebanon.

It is important that the voices of people with disabilities are heard, and that their needs are addressed by the organizations responding to the crisis. Otherwise, they face the risk of being left behind, with insufficient access to humanitarian assistance and essential services, such as education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

This assistance forms part of Australia’s three-year $220 million Syria Crisis Humanitarian and Resilience Package, first announced as part of the Government’s 2016/17 Budget.

Alongside the humanitarian efforts, Australia continues to advocate for a political solution that will bring an end to the devastating conflict.

Original source: DFAT
Published on 24 July 2018