Australia’s Humanitarian Response to the Syria Crisis

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Author(s)
Ernst, S., Sutton, K. and Brown, L.
Publication language
English
Pages
45pp
Date published
30 Sep 2014
Type
Evaluation reports
Keywords
Accountability and Participation, Accountability to affected populations (AAP), Complaints and feedback mechanisms, Funding and donors, Leadership and Decisionmaking, Forced displacement and migration, Targeting, Identification and Profiling
Countries
Australia, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon

This evaluation examines the effectiveness of Australia’s humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis. It considers the efficacy of material assistance provided and that of Australia’s diplomatic efforts. The evaluation identifies ways in which Australia’s ongoing response can be strengthened in the context of what has become a protracted, and expanding, humanitarian crisis.

Since the Syrian conflict began, Australia has provided $130.81 million for humanitarian assistance inside Syria ($59.5 million) and in neighbouring countries ($71.3 million). Although these sums are substantial, the level of Australian funding provided is modest in comparison with some other donors. Australia’s funding has been directed to UN agencies, international humanitarian organisations and Australian NGOs to provide lifesaving assistance— predominantly in protection, shelter, water and sanitation, food and medical assistance. Further longer term assistance has also been provided for health care and education.