The Disasters Emergency Committee in Scotland has warmly welcomed a donation of £100,000 from the Scottish Government for the Syria Crisis Appeal.
The announcement came as Scotland’s political leaders united to support the appeal during a joint photo-call at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (pictures to follow).
First Minister Alex Salmond announced the Scottish Government donation during First Minister’s Questions before helping to promote the appeal alongside Labour Leader Johann Lamont, Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Green leader Patrick Harvie.
Together they urged the people of Scotland to donate to the appeal – which is raising money to help deliver vital humanitarian aid to those affected by the Syrian crisis.
This month marked two years since the conflict in Syria began. The war has already claimed 70,000 lives and over 5 million people – a number equal to the population of Scotland – are now facing a dire humanitarian emergency.
The Scottish public have already given more than £360,000 to the appeal. People can donate via the phone-line 0370 60 60 900 or online via www.dec.org.uk
Marie Hayes, Chair of the DEC in Scotland, said: “The number of refugees fleeing Syria has increased from 1,000 a day at the beginning of the year to over 8,000 a day.
” The number of refugees fleeing Syria has increased from 1,000 a day at the beginning of the year to over 8,000 a day.
“DEC agencies are on the ground in Syria and neighbouring countries providing water, medicine and clothing for the 3 million people that have been forced to flee their homes.
“The support from the Scottish Government is hugely welcome and will make great steps towards saving people’s lives. The people of Scotland are also showing tremendous support for the appeal and we urge them to keep donating so that we can help as many people as possible.”
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “We have all seen the devastating effect the conflict in Syria is having on its people. Millions of men, women and children are trying to survive in freezing temperatures. They desperately need food, shelter and medical care.
“We have all seen the devastating effect the conflict in Syria is having on its people. Millions of men, women and children are trying to survive in freezing temperatures. They desperately need food, shelter and medical care.
“DEC Scotland agencies are doing an excellent job of delivering much needed help for the people of Syria and I am delighted to announce that the Scottish Government will add to the fundraising efforts, by donating £100,000 to the DEC Scotland appeal for Syria.
“I urge everyone to dig deep to help the Scottish total reach half a million pounds as soon as possible – every donation can add up to make a real difference.”
Labour leader Johann Lamont said: “Every humanitarian crisis takes its biggest toll on children and what we are seeing are unprecedented levels of hardship especially amongst children.
” Every humanitarian crisis takes its biggest toll on children and what we are seeing are unprecedented levels of hardship especially amongst children.
“The neighbouring countries have been remarkable at hosting families who have fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. However, supplies are running desperately low and we must ensure Syrian people are not left to weather this alone.”
Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “The Syrian people have suffered greatly as a result of this conflict. Families and whole communities are in urgent need of essential supplies like shelter, water and food. They are experiencing one of the most bitter winters in recent years.
” The Syrian people have suffered greatly as a result of this conflict. Families and whole communities are in urgent need of essential supplies like shelter, water and food. They are experiencing one of the most bitter winters in recent years.
“I hope that people across Scotland will support the DEC appeal – in any way they can. In these troubling times it is important that we show our solidarity with the thousands of men, women and children caught up in this crisis.”
Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “The Scottish public is renowned for its generosity and I would like to urge Scots everywhere to donate whatever they can to help families who are heavily suffering as a result of the Syrian crisis.
” The Scottish public is renowned for its generosity and I would like to urge Scots everywhere to donate whatever they can to help families who are heavily suffering as a result of the Syrian crisis.
“The humanitarian needs particularly inside Syria are immense and it is vitally important that we do not forget Syrian people in these difficult times.”
Green leader Patrick Harvie said: “As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the need for humanitarian support becomes more and more critical.
” As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the need for humanitarian support becomes more and more critical.
“The brutality the people of Syria are experiencing requires an urgent response, and I would urge all those that can to support the DEC appeal.”
The DEC – an umbrella group of 14 leading UK charities – has come together for the Syria Crisis Appeal which urgently seeks funds to provide food, clean water, emergency shelter and medical care for those affected.