Singapore's Financial Contribution to Support Syrian Refugees
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will increase financial contributions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support Syrian refugees during the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan responded that Singapore has increased its annual voluntary contribution from US$50,000 to US$60,000 this year to address acute global demands. He explained that as a small country with limited resources, Singapore’s contribution remains comparable to those made by other ASEAN nations. The Minister reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to supporting humanitarian groups that seek to alleviate the suffering of the millions of Syrians affected by the six-year conflict. He concluded by emphasizing that a political solution is the only way to end the conflict while ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
Transcript
42 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Ministry will consider increasing Singapore's financial contribution to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to provide more support to Syrian refugees in light of the escalating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Syria.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Mr Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) would consider increasing Singapore’s financial contribution to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to provide more support to Syrian refugees in light of the ongoing Syrian conflict.
Singapore commends UNHCR and other humanitarian organisations for their tremendous efforts to save lives in Syria in challenging conditions.
As I said in this House in January this year, Singapore will continue to support the work of UNHCR and humanitarian groups as they seek to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
Singapore has been providing voluntary financial contributions to UNHCR annually. We are not a major donor but a small country with limited resources. But as a responsible global citizen, we have increased our contributions to UNHCR this year from US$50,000 to US$60,000. This is in recognition of the acute demands placed on UNHCR, not just in Syria, but all around the world. Our contribution is comparable to those made by other ASEAN countries.
The Syrian conflict is now into its sixth year. More than 400,000 Syrians have been killed. There are now more than 4.8 million Syrian refugees and millions of internally displaced.
The key actors in this conflict have acknowledged that the only way to end this conflict is to reach a political solution. We hope they can achieve this as soon as possible while ensuring the safety of civilians and that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.