The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Power spoke with a group of Syria-based humanitarian partners working with USAID to respond to urgent needs following the devastating earthquakes. Administrator Power expressed admiration and gratitude for local Syrian partners' heroic efforts on the front lines as first responders, and helping their own communities, at a time when aid workers themselves have suffered incalculable loss.
Partners underscored the scale and urgency of this crisis, which is compounded by more than a decade of conflict in Syria. Administrator Power heard from partners on the best ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches those who need it, including perspectives on cross-border access and what more the United States and other international partners can do to support. Administrator Power stressed the need for sustained and unhindered access for USAID’s UN and NGO partners in providing aid to the people of northwest Syria.
Administrator Power reinforced the United States commitment to help people in Syria recover from this disaster. The U.S. has now provided $185 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to needs in Syria and Türkiye. Since the start of the war in Syria, the United States has provided more than $15 billion in support to the Syrian people.