“We watch with joy the scenes of Syrian people rejoicing in happiness across the world in reaction to the news of the end of an era marked by endemic suffering, violence and mass displacement. Today, we join the Syrian people in their unwavering hope and cautious optimism for a better future.

“However, the humanitarian needs inside Syria remain enormous. The escalation over the past two weeks has triggered new displacements with an estimated one million people fleeing the violence in various parts of Syria, bringing the number of displaced people higher than 8 million. Displaced people were already facing dire conditions with many of their basic needs unmet.

“CARE stands by the people of Syria and is ready to support them rebuild their country. CARE urges international donors to mobilise flexible emergency funding to scale up the humanitarian response to address the urgent needs of the Syrian people and multi-year funding for early recovery and reconstruction efforts that are now needed more than ever to provide jobs and services to Syrians looking to create a better future for themselves and their families.

“As Syria enters this transitional period, it is essential to support local civil society and women-led organisations, who are best placed to lead efforts to rebuild their country in line with the aspirations of their people.”

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Briony FitzGerald on 0404 117 927

About CARE Australia

CARE Australia supports women around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We work in partnership with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women that they have long been denied: the ability to earn an income, gain access to their fair share of resources, to lead and participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to be able to withstand the increasing impacts of climate disasters and other crises. www.care.org.au