The German government is providing around 1.7 billion Euros for humanitarian aid to civilian populations in need in Syria. Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced this at an international donor conference. The situation in Syria, a country struck by civil war, is catastrophic, he deplored, adding that “without a substantial political process, there will be no reconstruction.” The Syrian government should seriously strive for peace.

The UN and the EU hosted the conference, with the participation of more than 60 states and organizations. The donors had hoped for a total of 8.5 billion Euros – above all for the population in Syria, but also for those who had fled to neighboring countries, who were to receive food, medical aid and schooling through aid organizations. According to the UN, over 12 million people in Syria suffer from hunger.