ConferenCe reportThird International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria 31 March 2015 Kuwait City

UNHCR / B. Sokol

1openInG SeSSIon

The Third International Pledging Conference for Syria was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait. In his opening address, he welcomed delegates to Kuwait which was hosting the Conference for the third time out of appreciation of the magnitude of human suffering in Syria and an interest to put an end to it. As a consequence of the conflict, the region is becoming a threat to international peace and security and the area is becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations. He paid tribute to the efforts of the host countries,

Credit: http://www.da.gov.kw/eng/newsroom/newsDetails.php?id=8673

“The daunting situation, gives us, as an international community, a historic responsibility….to work with determination to put an end to this catastrophe” His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Amir of the State of Kuwait

the UN and international organizations. He urged the Security Council, especially its permanent members, to join forces to find a lasting political solution. He underscored Kuwait’s continuous engagement and support to the Syrian people. It is critical that the international community stands by them, feels their suffering and will not abandon them in their plight. The Amir announced the contribution of the State of Kuwait of US$500 million from both the Government and civil society, underscoring the need for everyone to work together to heal the wounds of the Syrian people.

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United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon chaired the conference. In his opening remarks he thanked His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for hosting the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, which was a clear testament to the Government of Kuwait’s global commitment to humanitarian action. Commending humanitarian partners for being the lifeline to millions of Syrians, he pointed out that the people were not asking for sympathy but for support. He thanked the governments and people of the host

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left on dais) with Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (right on dais), Amir of the State of Kuwait, at the opening of Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, taking place in Kuwait City. Credit: UN Photo/Evan Schneider

“Children asked: “Why am I here? What did I do wrong? When can I go home? I have no answer. I have only shame.” Ban Ki-moon United Nations Secretary-General

countries – most notably Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq. The United Nations is working to address the conflict’s deep roots and devastating impact. However the best humanitarian solution to end the suffering is a political solution to end the war. Highlighting Kuwait III as an opportunity for demonstrating how development and humanitarian assistance could be joined up, he urged donors and development partners to show their solidarity by linking humanitarian and development projects.

3overvIew of reSponSe, prIorItIeS And fundInG needS

Key fIgureS

220,000persons killed

12.2 millionpeople in need of humanitarian assistance

1 millionpersons injured

7.6 millioninternally displaced persons

3.9 millionrefugees

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, provided an update on the situation inside Syria. As all parties continue to violate humanitarian and human rights law, the conflict has taken a heavy toll killing more than 220,000 people, and injuring more than a million; nearly 5 million people have been trapped for many months without food or medical help in hard to reach and besieged locations. More than 12 million people inside Syria need humanitarian aid. Some particularly vulnerable groups include Palestine refugees inside Syria, children and women. To date 72 humanitarian workers have been killed since 2011.

She pointed out that in 2014, humanitarian organizations inside Syria provided food to over 5 million people every month; enabled millions to access clean water; supplied more than 16.5 million medical treatments and helped more than 2 million children to go to school. As of 17 March, the UN and its partners had reached some 1.4 million people with food aid through cross-border deliveries under the terms of Security Council Resolution 2165. The success comes with a grim reminder that the international community has failed in its duty to prevent this conflict from escalating and to protect the most vulnerable and to ensure that everyone has access to the basic necessities of life.

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High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres highlighted the needs of refugees and host communities. The number of Syrian refugees has already crossed the 4 million mark and Turkey has become the largest refugee hosting country globally. The longer the war goes on, the poorer the refugees become. He appealed to all countries to keep their borders open and requested help from donor countries to support the budget of host countries and to build resilience of host communities. Drawing from Islamic teachings, he pleaded for a unified front against war crimes and for humanitarian agencies to join up efforts.

United Nations Development Programme Administrator, Helen Clark looked at the impact the Syrian conflict is having on development through-out the region. Since last year, UNDP has moved to resilience-based development response. The SRP and the 3RP offer opportunities to integrate development and humanitarian resources in a sustainable manner. Highlighting that the development progress in the region has reversed dramatically, she stressed the need to focus on building resilience and supporting livelihoods. A well-funded 3RP will improve food security, provide more jobs and support stabilization. Hybrid, multi-year financing could be adopted at the donor level as in the country level the national response plans are already integrated into the 3RP.

Following the presentations, a short documentary on the plight of the Syrian people was shown followed by a video of Farah Al Mayouf singing ‘A word of peace’.

The floor was then opened for statements and pledges from the Member States and organizations.

“Only by working together in partnership with all international humanitarian organizations, will we be able to heal the wounds of our brothers and sisters in Syria”Abdullah Al-Matouq Secretary-General’s Humanitarian Envoy and advisor in the Al-Diwan Al-Amiri of the State of Kuwait

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Humanitarian aid inside Syria

Support for the health and education sectors in the countries hosting millions of refugees

Support to host communities who are under increasing pressure

Humanitarian aid for the refugees who have fled

A ToTAl of uSD 8.4 bIllIon IS neeDeD for THe SyrIA reSPonSe PlAn AnD THe regIonAl refugee AnD reSIlIenCe PlAn To Cover four THIngS:

OVERVIEW: 2015-SYRIA RESPONSE PLAN AND 2015-2016 REGIONAL REFUGEE AND RESILIENCE PLAN 13 |

$8.4 billion Requirement 2015 Plans

$2.9 billion SRP$3.4 billion 3RP Refugee component$2.1 billion 3RP Resilience/Stabilization component

GUIDE TO GIVING

Guide to giving to humanitarian action in line with the SRP

Contributing to the Strategic Response PlanTo see the country’s humanitarian needs overview and strategic response plan, and donate directly to these country plans, view the specific country pages on the OCHA website. Each country plan has links to online information on participating organizations and persons to contact concerning donations.www.humanitarianresponse.info/appeals

Donating Through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)CERF provides rapid initial funding for life-saving actions at the onset of emergencies and for poorly funded, essential humanitarian operations in protracted crises. The OCHA-managed CERF receives contributions from various donors – mainly governments, but also private companies, foundations, charities and individuals – which are combined into a single fund. This is used for crises anywhere in the world.

Find out more about the CERF and how to donate by visiting the CERF website: www.unocha.org/cerf/our-donors/how-donate

Donating Through Country-based Pooled Funds for the Syria CrisisCountry-based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) are multi-donor humanitarian financing instruments established by the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) and managed by OCHA under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator. CbPFs exist in 17 countries. They receive unearmarked funding from donors and allocate it

Source: Updated Overview: 2015 Syira Response Plan and 2015-2016 Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan. Download the overview at: http://www.unocha.org/syria/third-pledging-conference

THe CurrenT neeDS

6StAteMentS And AnnounCeMent of pledGeS

A total of 59 Member States and international organizations took the floor.

The Vice President of Iraq and the Prime Ministers of Jordan and Lebanon provided the host country viewpoint highlighting how the refugee crisis had the potential to become a major demographic crisis. They alluded to the stretched financial

Credit: http://www.timeskuwait.com/Times_Third-Pledging-conference-reinforces-Kuwait%E2%80%99s-humanitarian-credentials

More than 40 donors announced pledges and commitments or gave an account of their past contribution. In order of speaking, they were:

resources and fragile social fabric which could pose a security threat to the whole region. They appealed to the international community to support the national response plans and address development issues of the host communities. Later, Egypt and Turkey also added their voice to draw the attention of donors to the need to financially support the host countries.

7MeMber STATe PleDge

Kuwait Pledged US$500 million from both the government and civil sectors, as announced by His Highness the Amir in his inaugural address.

USA Noted that many countries were giving the same or less. Consequently, less people were being reached. Pledged US$507 million besides continuing bilateral assistance to Syria’s neighbours. This brings their total contribution to US$3.2 billion since the beginning of the conflict.

Saudi Arabia Since 2011, KSA has contributed US$600 million with US$320 million from Government and US$280 million from national campaigns. Pledged US$60 million for Syria in 2015.

UAE Since 2012, UAE has contributed US$365 million. Pledged US$100 million more in 2015 to be contributed directly though Emirati institutions.

Denmark Supports longer term planning and financial resources to link relief to development. Pledged 250 million DKK (US$35.5 million) in 2015 about half of which has already been disbursed. DKK16.5 million inside Syria; DKK68.5 million in neighbouring countries (of which DKK50 million for resilience); and DKK 65 million unearmarked.

Qatar Prioritizes education and schooling among children inside Syria. Qatar has contributed to date more than US$2 billion towards humanitarian assistance to Syria. Qatar did not pledge any funds but mentioned a new contribution of US$160 million by Qatari NGOs this year.

Luxembourg Implementation of the three UN resolutions has remained unsatisfactory. Since the beginning of the crisis, Luxembourg has pledged EUR19.1 million and has disbursed the entire amount. Pledged EUR5.5 million (US$5.8 million) this year. Out of this amount, EUR2.5 million will go to emergency relief, EUR2.5 million to resilience building and 0.5 million to development cooperation for longer-term projects.

Netherlands Called upon the World Bank and the International Monitory Fund to focus on improving macroeconomic conditions in Jordan and Lebanon. Pledged EUR20 million to UN organizations, EUR12 million to a consortium of Dutch NGOs and EUR1 million to the Red Cross, for a total of EUR33 million (US$34.9 million).

8MeMber STATe PleDge

Norway Stressed the need to try harder to find a political solution to the crisis in line with the Geneva Communique. Pledged 750 million NOK (US$93 million) for humanitarian assistance and in support of resilience efforts in Syria and neighbouring countries – 20 percent to be earmarked for education and protection of children.

Sweden Sweden is the largest recipient of Syrian refugees in EU along with Germany. Humanitarian assistance since the beginning of the conflict has amounted to US$150 million. Pledged 350 million SEK (US$40 million) and will continue to assess the situation. A new development cooperation strategy for the region will also make a further US$190 million available to Syria and the neighbouring countries for the next few years for both short-term and long-term measures. Education will be a key component of the assistance.

Turkey Unfair share of the Syria crisis is being borne by Turkey with its part being the least funded of the regional response plan. The total financial burden to the Turkish Government to handle the refugees amounts to US$5.6 billion.

United Kingdom Supports integrated development and humanitarian financing and seeks to provide long-term predictable funding. Pledged US$150 million.

European Commission EU has lived up to its moral obligation and will continue to be in the forefront of humanitarian assistance in the future. Total aid package pledged amounts to EUR1 billion (US$1.06 billion) for 2015-16 to cover Syria and Iraq. This will include development and stabilization assistance.

Japan By the end of 2014, Japan had provided humanitarian assistance to Syria and its neighbouring countries worth US$400 million. Pledges announced this year total US$509 million. This includes humanitarian assistance of US$116 million, emergency grant aid of US$6 million for winterization programmes, non-project grant aid of US$16.7 million for Jordan to procure medical equipment and yen loans of about US$370 million to improve local infrastructure in Turkey.

9MeMber STATe PleDge

NGO consortium A large number of donor NGOs from the Gulf countries met the day before the Conference under the aegis of SG’s Humanitarian Envoy and IICO and collectively pledged US$510 million for the Syria crisis in 2015. As some of the NGOs are in receipt of funding announced by institutional and government donors present at the conference, the net pledge amounts to US$372 million.

France Paid tribute to the Syrian civil society and called for faster political solution based on inclusiveness and democratic transition. Besides contributing EUR85 million through the EU, France pledged EUR20 million (US$21 million) for development and humanitarian aid. Focused on food programmes and those through UNHCR. France remains open to receiving Syrian refugees.

Ireland Stressed the importance of supporting neighbouring countries. Pledged EUR12 million (US$12.7 million) towards humanitarian response through UN, Red Cross and NGOs for providing life-saving supplies. This brings the total contribution of Ireland since the beginning of the Crisis to more than EUR41 million.

Germany Pleaded to use all options to reach all people, especially cross-border operations. Since the beginning, Germany has committed more than EUR1 billion for humanitarian and development activities in Syria of which EUR450 million were for humanitarian assistance. Pledged EUR255 million (US$270.4 million) of which EUR100 million will be from the humanitarian side and EUR155 million from the development side. Of the humanitarian contribution, EUR25 million will be for multi-year projects. Of the transitional and development aid, EUR80 million will be for 2015 and EUR75 million for 2016.

Finland Called for greater coordination between OCHA and UNHCR and appealed to preserve the space for women’s rights in any peace process. Finland has been supporting the no lost generation initiative in Turkey and Jordan. Pledged EUR15 million (US$15.9 million) of which EUR10 million is for humanitarian and EUR5 million for resilience building purpose. This is twice the funding announced last year and Finland is open to considering further support later this year. With this, the total funding for Syria has reached over EUR62 million. Finland is also considering an increase of the Syria refugee quota this year.

10MeMber STATe PleDge

Iran To fulfil its humanitarian and ethical obligations, Iran has contributed aid in the form of financial resources, food supplies and medical ambulances since the start of the crisis valued at over US$4.2 billion from both government and civil sectors.

Latvia Pledged EUR50,000 (approximately US$53,000) as part of the contribution through EU.

Republic of Korea Emphasized central role of education. ROK has contributed US$14 million of humanitarian assistance in the previous 3 years. Pledged additional US$10 million.

Romania Pledged EUR130,000 (approximately US$137,000) bringing their total contribution since the beginning to more than EUR600,000. In addition, Romania announced scholarships for Syrian students studying in Romania valued at EUR270,000.

Canada Acknowledged the generosity of neighbouring countries. Since 2012, Canada’s total contribution has been about CAD700 million of which CAD400 million was for humanitarian assistance. Pledged humanitarian assistance of CAD50 million (US$43.4 million) in 2015 in addition to development assistance that would focus on resilience building, improvement of public education system etc.

Australia During its time at the Security Council, Australia co-authored three resolutions along with Jordan and Luxembourg. Syria is Australia’s biggest humanitarian assistance programme with over AUD135 million contributed since the beginning. Pledged AUD20 million (US$15.2 million) to be disbursed through WFP, ICRC, UNHCR and Australian NGOs in Lebanon.

Bulgaria Has accepted more than 12,000 Syrian refugees in the last 2 years. Pledged EUR100,000 (approximately US$106,000) donation through WFP.

China Urged to find comprehensive solution. Chinese government has provided humanitarian supplies and cash assistance worth RMB 230 million through bilateral and multilateral channels.

11MeMber STATe PleDge

Czech Republic Urged to ensure full access to humanitarian workers and medical professionals. Up from EUR1 million in Kuwait II, Czech republic pledged EUR4 million (US$4.2 million) for humanitarian and development assistance inside Syria and in neighbouring countries.

Estonia Reminded that humanitarian aid cannot be taken hostage by military actors. Pledged EUR300,000 (approximately US$318,000) to meet pressing needs bringing their total contribution to EUR1.4 million so far.

India Expressed apprehension of the potential spill-over in West Asia with whom India has strong economic and cultural ties, being home to more than 7 million Indian diaspora. Pledged US$2 million – channels of delivery and modalities to be determined in consultation with all stakeholders. Expressed readiness to be part of any peace building initiative.

Italy Pledged EUR18 million (US$19 million) with EUR10 million to support purely humanitarian needs and EUR8 million for recovery and short and medium term development projects. Might consider further increases in support by the end of the year. Part of the resources may be channeled through the regional trust fund set up by the EU.

Lithuania Pledged EUR40,000 (approximately US$42,000).

Slovakia Assistance worth EUR400,000 provided so far. Pledged additional EUR30,000 (approximately US$31,800) to Jordan through UNHCR.

Switzerland Pledged CHF50 million (US$49.8 million) bringing total contribution to CHF178 million. Focus on resilience-based approaches.

Austria 1500 Syrian refugees resettled in Austria. Humanitarian assistance rendered so far amount to EUR9.5 million for Syrian refugees and IDPs in Syria. Pledged EUR2 million (US$2.1 million) for humanitarian assistance to Syria and neighbouring countries, particularly Iraq.

Belgium Pledged EUR10.5 million (US$11.1 million) humanitarian aid. Of these EUR5.5 million are flexible funds to cover Syria (2 m) Lebanon (2 m) and Jordan emergency response plans. Of the remaining EUR5 million, EUR2 million is to be channeled through ICRC in Lebanon and EUR3 m for Syria and neighbouring countries.

12MeMber STATe PleDge

Brazil Pledged new in-kind contribution of food items (rice, beans) estimated at USD 5 million.

Malta Symbolic pledge of EUR25,000 (approximately US$26,500) to the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan.

New Zealand Syrian conflict drives regional instability. Pledged 1 million NZD (approximately US$723,500) to cover health care in Syria though the ICRC’s “health care in danger” initiative.

Poland Pledged 2 million PLN (approximately US$540,000) for first half of 2015 for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Might consider further support later this year.

Slovenia Pledged EUR60,000 (approximately US$63,600) to ICRC in addition to the EUR100,000 provided in 2014 for children in Lebanon.

Spain Pledged EUR5 million (US$5.3 million). A second pledge may be considered in the second half of 2015.

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Besides the donors who took the floor, there were others like Oman who pledged US$17 million but did not make a statement. Several other delegations made statements but did not pledge financial support. They included Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Morocco, Botswana, Thailand, Ukraine, League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Gulf Cooperation Council, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and International Organization for Migration (IOM). Some of the common themes of interventions were:

• The need to respect humanitarian law and provide unhindered access to flow of aid and protect humanitarian workers; increased assistance to host countries;

• increased assistance to host countries;

• the failure of the international community to find a political solution and that the Geneva Communique is the best possible solution; and

• recognition of His Highness, the Amir of Kuwait as a humanitarian leader and Kuwait as a centre for humanitarian debate and discussion.

for the exact amounts, including an updated list of pledges and funding status for the Syria crisis, please visit http://fts.unocha.org.

TOTAL PLEDGES FROM KUWAIT CONFERENCES

USD 7.5 BILLION

31 MARCH 2015KUWAIT THREE$3.6 BILLION

15 JANUARY 2014KUWAIT TWO$2.4 BILLION

30 JANUARY 2013KUWAIT ONE$1.5 BILLION

USD 100 MILLION

“It (the Conference) has given a resounding message that we are all able to unify our efforts to bring peace and hope to Syrian people”H.e. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait

14CloSInG SeSSIon

The Chair, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon closed the session by giving a message of hope and international solidarity to the Syrian people who are victims of the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. Member States of the United Nations, regional organisations and international partners have pledged a total of US$3.6 billion at the Conference. With these funds, humanitarian agencies and their partners will be able to reach more people, both inside and outside Syria, with life-saving aid and resilience activities. The UN will continue to explore all avenues to find a political solution based on the Geneva Communique and one that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people. He thanked the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for hosting this Pledging

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) addresses a joint press conference with Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait. Credit: UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Conference and for his leadership.

In his closing remarks, H.E. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, thanked governments and NGOs for participating and contributing generously. A total of 78 Member States, 40 international organizations and more than 100 NGOs participated in this conference. He underscored that this was proof that we can unify our efforts to provide basic assistance to the Syrian people. The conference has sent out a clear message that we need to continue to work to stop the conflict. In conclusion, he thanked the Secretary-General and the Emergency Relief Coordinator for their tireless efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to people in need.

15Annex I AGendA

09:00 – 09:30 Arrival of Heads and members of participating delegations to Bayan Palace

09:45 Official Group Photograph for the Conference (heads of delegations only)

10:00 – 11:00 Opening Session of the Conference

• Holy Quran Recitation

• Statement by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait

• Statement by Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

• Short Film

• Presentation: overview of response, priorities, and funding needs by

- Ms. Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

- Mr. António Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees - Ms. Helen Clark, Administrator, United Nations Development Program

11:00 – 13:00 Statements and Announcement of Pledges by participating delegates (maximum 3 minutes per delegate)

13:00 – 14:30 Lunch hosted by his Excellency Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in honour if Heads and members of participating delegations at Al Tahrir Hall, Bayan Palace.h

15:00 – 17:00 Statements and Announcement of Pledges by participating delegates (continued)

17:00 Closing Session of the Conference

• Closing Statement by Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

• Closing Statement by His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

18:00 Press Conference: His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

16Annex II pledGeS

Donor PleDge In uS$

Australia 15,209,125 Austria 2,120,891 Belgium 11,134,677 Brazil 5,000,000 Bulgaria 106,045 Canada 43,402,778 Czech Republic 4,241,782 Denmark 35,531,552 Estonia 318,134 European Union 1,060,445,387 Finland 15,906,681 France 21,208,908 Germany 270,413,574 India 2,000,000 Ireland 12,725,345 Italy 19,088,017 Japan 138,700,000 Korea (Republic of) 10,000,000 Kuwait 500,000,000 Latvia 53,022 Lithuania 42,418 Luxembourg 5,832,450 Malta 26,511 Netherlands 34,994,698 New Zealand 723,589 Norway 93,000,000 Oman 17,000,000 Poland 540,979 Romania 137,858 Saudi Arabia 60,000,000 Slovakia 31,813 Slovenia 63,627 Spain 5,302,227 Sweden 40,702,407 Switzerland 49,800,797 United Arab Emirates 100,000,000 United Kingdom 150,000,000 United States of America 507,000,000 NGO Consortia 372,000,000

totAl pledGeS froM KuwAIt III 3,604,805,289

The designations employed and the presentation of material on this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

FTS is the source for the funding updates contained in this report.

For more information:unocha.org/syria/third-pledging-conferencereliefweb.int

To make a donation:unocha.org/cerf

For additional information, please contact:Donor Relations SectionOffice for the Coordination of Humanitarian AffairsPalais des Nations, 1211 Geneva, SwitzerlandTel: +41 22 917 1690

May 2015