Visit of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Syria
09.10.2024 / 08:56 | Aktualizováno: 23.10.2024 / 16:19
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visited Syria on October 7th & 8th, 2024, to assess the humanitarian situation and mobilize support for those affected by the ongoing conflict. He underlined the urgent need to mobilize humanitarian aid, as well as more substantial resources to support early recovery activities as stipulated in the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
In Damascus, Filippo Grandi met in person and virtually with donors to launch an Inter-Agency Emergency Appeal for the Influx from Lebanon to Syria for $324 million to help, for a six-month period, all those fleeing into Syria as well as the families hosting many of them. Donors included many countries, including the Czech Republic which was represented by the Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Syria Roman Masarik as well as economic & development diplomat of the Embassy Tomas Chlopcik.
Participation of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus in the meeting to launch an inter-agency emergency appeal
The UN High Commissioner met with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad, Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali and other senior Government officials to discuss how best to support the new arrivals as they enter Syria and at their final destinations.
“I appreciate the Government has kept the borders open for everyone. Many Syrians have returned to the country, albeit under extreme duress because of the airstrikes,” said Grandi. “I stressed the importance of the Government ensuring the safety and security of those arriving from Lebanon. I also briefed the President on efforts to mobilize humanitarian resources to support their well-being.”
UNHCR is following up with people across Syria and will be expanding its humanitarian programs to address the needs of the new arrivals and the communities hosting them.
Grandi’s visit to Syria came immediately after he visited Beirut, Lebanon, amid the terrible displacement crisis engulfing the country following two weeks of intensifying Israeli airstrikes.
It is estimated that about half million individuals, more than half of those are women and children, have fled to Syria since 24 September 2024, with the number of daily arrivals continuing to increase. The UN agencies and international and national NGOs are scaling up the responses to deliver life-saving assistance to the growing number of new arrivals.
Grandi expressed deep concern over the plight of millions of Syrians who have been displaced by the war. He highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care. He also called for increased international support to address the complex challenges facing Syria.
During his visit, Grandi visited the Jdeidet Yabous crossing on the border between Syria and Lebanon. He met with refugees who had recently fled the escalating conflict in Lebanon and were seeking safety in Syria.
Grandi's visit to Syria underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for continued international support to help the Syrian people. He called on the international community to prioritize the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons and to work towards a lasting solution to the conflict.
Roman Masarik, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus, informed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi that the Czech Republic continues to play a vital role in international humanitarian aid and efforts in Syria. He highlighted the key contributions to humanitarian aid and infrastructure projects, which have improved the lives of Syrians and enabled many to remain in their communities despite the ongoing challenges posed by the conflict.
The Czech Republic's humanitarian assistance has been instrumental in stabilizing local communities across various regions of Syria. The support has focused on enhancing infrastructure, creating more sustainable living conditions, and providing relief to those most affected by the conflict. Mr. Masarik reaffirmed the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to supporting such initiatives, underscoring the Czech Republic’s dedication to international cooperation and humanitarian relief.
Participation of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus in the meeting to launch an inter-agency emergency appeal
Participation of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus in the meeting to launch an inter-agency emergency appeal
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus hosted a Diplomatic Club during which a de-briefing about the visit of the UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi in Syria on 9th October 2024 has been provided by the UNHCR Representative to Syria Gonzalo Gabriel Vargas Llosa. He also informed about the current situation regarding refugees in Syria. The Diplomatic Club serves as a forum for foreign diplomats, including heads of Embassies, and for representatives of international organizations working in Syria, to foster dialogue and cooperation on humanitarian and diplomatic efforts. The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus plays an active role in organizing and facilitating these discussions for strengthening international partnerships and advancing humanitarian objectives in the region.
De-briefing from the visit of UN High Commissioner for Refugees during the meeting of Diplomatic Club at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus
The Czech Republic, via its Embassy in Damascus, remains committed to supporting these crucial efforts, contributing to humanitarian aid, fostering diplomatic dialogue, and strengthening international cooperation.
De-briefing from the visit of UN High Commissioner for Refugees during the meeting of Diplomatic Club at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus
