Additional US$45 million contribution to Syria’s children, as EU becomes largest donor to UNICEF appeal | WPN World People News

UNICEF and the European Union (EU) signed a new cooperation agreement that provides an additional US$45 million (€ 34. 2 million) to protect children affected by the Syria crisis and promote access to learning in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.

"Agreement shows our on-going commitment to help those who are most vulnerable in any conflict: children and young people. We need to do all we can to prevent a lost generation growing up without access to school as a result of the terrible conflict in Syria. With our overall assistance 2.5 million children in the region will be given a chance to receive education and with it hope for a better future," said Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy after signing the four contracts.

“With the crisis in Syria now well into its third year, we must continue to do all we can to prevent the loss of an entire generation,” said Yoka Brandt, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director. “Education should never be a casualty of conflict or a cost of crisis and this support from the EU will help prevent that loss and in doing so, benefit millions of children in Syria.”

By the end of 2013, the EU contribution to UNICEF’s operations in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey is expected to reach more than US$ 100 million.

A Back to Learning campaign is under way in all affected countries supported by UNICEF and its partners, which aims to reach more than 1.5 million children in the region.

Event took place in the context of the comprehensive response of the European Union to the consequences of the Syria crisis. Much of the EU assistance to people affected by the conflict in and around Syria is channelled through UN agencies.

Source: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund