Germany unveils €60 million aid package for war-torn Syria

Germany has pledged €60 million ($62.5 million) for humanitarian aid projects in Syria, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, as confirmed by Development Minister Svenja Schulze.

In an interview with the RND media group published on December 30, Schulze described the humanitarian situation in Syria as "catastrophic," noting the severe impact of nearly 14 years of civil war, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

She highlighted that 90% of the population is living in poverty and is reliant on international aid.

While the future of Syria remains uncertain, Schulze expressed cautious optimism for potential positive change and stressed the importance of international support in fostering this shift.

The aid, to be implemented exclusively through UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), will focus on several key areas. According to the Development Ministry, €25 million will be allocated to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), aiming to rehabilitate schools and provide psychosocial support to children affected by trauma.

An additional €19 million will be directed to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), which will facilitate short-term employment opportunities for internally displaced persons, including activities such as clearing rubble.

The funding is part of Germany’s 2024 budget, which sets aside €132 million for Syria-related initiatives.

To recap, Syria's Assad regime has collapsed following a major offensive by opposition forces, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and supported by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. The capture of Damascus on December 8, 2024 marked the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule, which had lasted for over 50 years under his family’s sectarian totalitarian regime.

Reports indicate that Assad fled the capital aboard a plane to Russia, where he joined his exiled family and was granted asylum. In the wake of his departure, opposition forces declared victory, with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming Assad’s resignation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev