Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
120. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in north east Syria; the concern for the Kurdish people; for other minority groups in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8763/26]
View answerThe Government continues to support a positive transition in Syria that respects the rights of all Syrians, but we remain concerned about the reports of localised clashes and the potential for further unrest. President al-Sharaa has issued a decree recognising Syrian Kurds as an essential part of the Syrian people and the country's diverse national identity, and Kurdish as an official language. These are important steps in Syria's transition and the broad acceptance of the diversity of ethnicity, religion and culture in Syria.
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains very difficult. The reality is that the majority of the population across all of Syria are still in need of humanitarian assistance. Access to essential services including healthcare, water and sanitation is limited. Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, over 3 million refugees and internally displaced people have resettled in Syria. However, more than 10 million Syrians remain displaced in Syria and in neighbouring countries.
Recurring hostilities, including most recently in North-East Syria, have accentuated the humanitarian situation for an already vulnerable population and caused new waves of displacement in challenging winter conditions. Priorities for the humanitarian response include shelter and winterisation assistance, food, and road clearance to restore access for life-saving services. Despite the ceasefire in North-East Syria, restrictions on movement and security concerns continue to limit humanitarian access and assistance.
Last year, Ireland provided over €22 million in assistance in response to the Syria Crisis across the region. This brings our total assistance to over €289 million since the conflict began, Ireland's largest response to any humanitarian crisis. Our humanitarian assistance is channelled through partners who provide assistance to those identified as most in need.
We will continue to provide needs-based humanitarian assistance in Syria in 2026 including through our support to Irish NGOs. €2 million has been allocated for the activities of Concern Worldwide, Trócaire and World Vision Ireland in Syria in 2026 under Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership (ICSP) for A Better World.
