Brussels, Belgium, March 18, 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) welcomes the pledges made at yesterday’s 9th Brussels Conference, “Standing with Syria”, hosted by the EU. About 5.8 billion EUR was pledged at the event, with the final sum to be confirmed in the coming weeks. However, with a decrease of 29% pledged compared to last year’s conference, the IRC warns that this will not be enough to fill the growing funding gap that continues to severely hamper the humanitarian response, nor will it be sufficient to support Syrians to recover and rebuild following decades of destruction.
After 14 years of conflict, Syria’s security situation remains fragile, with almost 17 million people in need—more than ever before. Economic collapse and prolonged displacement have pushed over 90% of Syrians into poverty. Despite soaring needs, Syria’s Humanitarian Response Plan remains critically underfunded, with a record 65.5% gap last year. The amounts required last year and this year do not include the billions of euros required for reconstruction and development efforts following decades of destruction amounting to US$118 billion. This year, US aid suspensions further threaten life-saving services, pushing millions closer to the brink.
Tanya Evans, the IRC’s Country Director in Syria says:
“While every cent of funding to Syria is welcome, the 5.8 billion EUR in pledges announced falls dangerously short of the amount needed to address the immense humanitarian needs created by 14 years of conflict and destruction. With humanitarian needs at a record high and the country’s future still deeply uncertain, humanitarian agencies like the IRC are being challenged to 'do more with less'. This is simply not sustainable.
“As the US retreats from humanitarian and development funding, the rest of the international community has a golden opportunity to demonstrate true humanitarian leadership in Syria - making courageous decisions, and taking the action necessary to drive improvements at scale. These actions will be transformational for millions in Syria and Syrian refugee hosting countries, and will help to reduce the risk of further instability in the region and beyond. The international community must not squander this opportunity to support Syrians on the path to recovery. Unless donors significantly ramp up funding needs will continue to spiral with millions of Syrians paying the price.”
Imogen Sudbery, Executive Director at IRC Belgium, says:
“As needs in Syria continue to soar, and funding for the humanitarian response diminishes, the EU and other European donors urgently need to step in and help plug the growing funding gap. While hosting this annual conference is a welcome step, the EU and its member states must continue to back this up with increased funding and support— not only to keep life-saving services in Syria running, but also to invest in early recovery and reconstruction efforts that can help Syrians rebuild and regain stability."