UK announces new funding to support White Helmets' response to
the current escalations in Syria.
- UK funding to support the humanitarian group's response to
the current escalation of violence in Syria
- £300,000 allocated to White Helmets following over £2 million
provided by the UK this year
- this funding will support vital humanitarian operations,
including search and rescue and humanitarian access
Syrians affected by the current escalation of conflict will be
supported through UK additional humanitarian funding, announced
today.
Delivered through the White Helmets – also known as the Syria
Civil Defence (SCD) – this £300,000 of funding follows the £2
million the UK has provided over the last year.
The funding will support search and rescue operations, facilitate
humanitarian access, allow the expansion of the White Helmets'
existing ambulance system and enable the safe removal of
unexploded weapons.
Minister for the Middle East, , said:
I was pleased to meet representatives from the White Helmet
earlier this week. The White Helmets carry out invaluable work
across Syria, saving countless civilian lives and providing
essential access for humanitarian aid.
Today, I am announcing an additional £300,000 to support the
White Helmets at this critical time. This funding will help the
White Helmets meet the humanitarian challenges arising from the
ongoing escalation.
We continue to call for urgent de-escalation in Syria,
maintaining the protection of civilians and provision of
humanitarian aid.
The Minister for the Middle East met with representatives from
the White Helmets earlier this week, to reiterate the UK's
commitment to support their vital work across Syria.
More than 48,000 people have been internally displaced in Syria
since escalations began on 27 November 2024, with damage to
civilian infrastructure including schools, hospitals and
displacement camps.
The UK remains concerned about the potential for further
escalation in Syria and urges all parties to protect civilian
lives and infrastructure to prevent further suffering, the
displacement of vulnerable people, and disruption to essential
humanitarian aid.
