UN appeals for $397m for Syrian earthquake victims
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has launched an appeal for $397 million to help earthquake victims in Syria, saying the funds would bring “life-saving relief” for nearly five million Syrians and would cover a period of three months.
“One week after the devastating earthquakes, millions of people across the region are struggling for survival, homeless and in freezing temperatures. We are doing all we can to change this. But much more is needed,” Guterres said in New York City.
He called on member states to “fully fund this effort without delay” and said the money will provide “desperately needed, life-saving relief for nearly five million Syrians — including shelter, health care, food and protection”.
The UN chief also urged that aid workers be allowed to operate freely in Syria, already wracked by 12 years of civil war.
He added that the UN is in the final stages of preparing an appeal for quake-ravaged southern Turkey.
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