Syria: CAFOD urges political action as four million refugees flee war

Syrian mother & child image: Tabitha Ross CAFOD

With the United Nations confirming that a staggering four million people have fled Syria since fighting began, the aid agency CAFOD is urging world leaders to commit to finding a political end to the conflict.

Anthony Neal, Humanitarian Policy Analyst for CAFOD, said: "While the UK has led the world in its humanitarian aid contribution to the Syria crisis, our help cannot end with money. Without a political solution, the number of Syrians trying to flee the country will continue to rise.

"The UK and other governments must urgently intensify their efforts to find a negotiated end to the fighting. The only lasting peace will come through dialogue with all the relevant parties, including women, local organisations and community groups, and an inclusive process that does not exclude any particular countries or actor.

"CAFOD's partners in the region are clear there can be no military solution. The continued supply of guns, bombs and shells has only served to fuel the violence, pushing the prospect of a political settlement further out of reach. An end to the supply of arms and other material support to armed groups is a necessary first step on the road to peace."

Most of the refugees who have fled the conflict are living in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt, often in makeshift camps, unfinished or derelict buildings, sheds, or even in the open air. Many have experienced persecution, torture or sexual violence, and need medical or psychological support that they cannot afford.

The arrival of such vast numbers has had a devastating effect on regional stability. In Lebanon, there are rising tensions between refugees and the communities that are hosting them. Partly as a result, Lebanon has increased restrictions on Syrians.

Anthony Neal said: "In Lebanon, one in four people is now a Syrian refugee. This has put an enormous strain on local communities and placed an intolerable burden on schools, hospital beds, jobs and housing. The situation is reaching a breaking point.

"As the situation becomes more hopeless, more and more refugees are attempting to make the treacherous journey across to Europe in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Because the war has been going on for such a long time, and because there are no easy solutions, it's easy for politicians around the world to focus on other things. But with more than four million refugees in neighbouring countries, as well as 7.6 million people who've been forced from their homes in Syria, political leaders need to renew their commitment to search for a breakthrough that could one day lead to peace."

Thanks to donations from Catholics in England and Wales, CAFOD is continuing to support local organisations in the Caritas network of aid agencies in providing healthcare, food, shelter and emergency supplies. In total, Caritas is providing aid to 1.2 million people across the Middle East.

Since 2012, CAFOD's Syria Crisis appeal has raised more than £2.8 million, enabling us to work with local Church organisations to deliver food, water, shelter, blankets and medical supplies in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. CAFOD is part of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of more than 160 Catholic agencies working together to respond to humanitarian crises around the world.

For details of how to donate to CAFOD's Syria Crisis appeal, go to: www.cafod.org.uk/Syriacrisis