Syrian refugee crisis a disgraceful humanitarian calamity, says agency

[oberliner]

As the number of refugees fleeing Syria surpassed two million yesterday, the plight of those seeking to escape the country’s civil war was described as a disgraceful calamity by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

The organisation called for a significant increase in international humanitarian aid to neighbouring countries which are struggling to cope with the huge influx.

More than 97 per cent of refugees – some 5,000 a day – flee to countries which border Syria. Ministers from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey will meet the UNHCR in Geneva today in a bid to accelerate international support.

UN high commissioner for refugees António Guterres said “Syria has become the great tragedy of this century – a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.”

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/syrian-refugee-crisis-a-disgraceful-humanitarian-calamity-says-agency-1.1515134

[Scootaloo]

1. Can't send aid, sorry. Got some missiles we could send, though! n/t

[malletgirl02]

2. Don't be Silly

Don't you know sending missiles is now humanitarian aid. Get with the program :Sarcasm:

[oberliner]

3. The US has provided more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid

On August 7, President Barack Obama announced more than $195 million in additional U.S. humanitarian assistance to help feed, shelter, and provide medical care for children, women, and men affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The United States remains the single-largest contributor of humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people, and this new contribution brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance for the crisis in Syria to more than $1 billion.

This $195 million in additional humanitarian aid from the United States will increase food aid, medical care, clean water, and provide shelter and other relief supplies for families suffering in Syria and neighboring countries.

http://www.usaid.gov/crisis/syria

[Scootaloo]

4. How much do you think our upcoming operation will cost?

Also, is the news of an impending attack by the US - and the result of it - likely to cause more refugees, thus actually lessening the impact of our contributions?



I knew we were giving some aid, I was making a sardonic point. Sort of like that one about how we're able to light some new tinder in the middle east for "humanitarian reasons," but can't seem to keep our own kids from dying of common diseases because meaningful healthcare reform is "collectivist"?

Point being, we're spending a lot of money on shit that doesn't help that would be better-spent on shit that does help. Any argument?

[oberliner]

6. I have no idea

With respect to your last point, I can't really argue.

However, I will say that countries like China and Russia have provided almost zero humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees, while the US, as noted, has provided a pretty sizable amount.

I do think, while the US certainly deserves criticism where criticism is due, it should not go unmentioned when positive action is taken - which is why I wanted to correct the record with respect to your original comment.

[blkmusclmachine]

5. .

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