Funding Shortfall Fuels Syrian Refugee Crisis in Europe

Europe is experiencing a surge in migrants and refugees fleeing the dire conditions in Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, where funding from the United Nations has declined sharply. This dip in international funding, coupled with the increased resources provided by Europe, has prompted some to embark on perilous journeys who might otherwise remain in their home countries. The United Nations Syria Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan has received only 37 percent of its $4.5 billion appeal for this year, leaving a significant funding gap. As a result, the World Food Program, a cornerstone of refugee aid, has been forced to make painful cuts, including halving the monthly stipend to 211,000 Syrians in regional refugee camps and halting aid to 230,000 refugees living outside camps in Jordan.

Key Takeaways:

• The United Nations Syria Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan has received only 37 percent of its $4.5 billion appeal for this year, leaving a significant funding gap.
• The funding shortfall has prompted a sharp decline in aid, including cuts to the World Food Program, which has reduced its monthly stipend to 211,000 Syrians in regional refugee camps by half.
• The World Food Program is more than 63 percent underfunded for 2015, and 100,000 people living in refugee camps may lose their food support entirely in November.
• The World Health Organization is only 27 percent funded, and officials say that refugees who cannot access assistance where they are may risk traveling to Europe.
• About 70 percent of registered Syrian refugees living in Lebanon are below the poverty line, creating tensions with local inhabitants for jobs and health services.
• Abeer Etefa, a World Food Program spokeswoman, said that "the crisis is going into its fifth year, and there is some sign of fatigue among donor countries."
• Needs are outpacing resources, he said, and many Syrians have fled to neighboring countries and are losing hope, no longer able to meet basic needs.

Statistics:

• $4.5 billion: the amount of funding the United Nations Syria Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan is appealing for this year.
• 37 percent: the percentage of funds received by the United Nations Syria Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan by the end of August.
• 63 percent: the percentage by which the World Food Program is underfunded for 2015.
• 211,000: the number of Syrians in regional refugee camps whose monthly stipend was halved by the World Food Program.
• 230,000: the number of Syrian refugees living outside camps in Jordan whose aid was halted by the World Food Program.
• 100,000: the number of people living in refugee camps who may lose their food support entirely in November.
• 27 percent: the percentage of funds received by the World Health Organization.

Sources:

• The New York Times, "Shortfall in Funding for Syrians Fuels Exodus to Europe" (exact source not provided)
• United Nations Syria Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan
• World Food Program
• World Health Organization
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees