New funding for White Helmets in Syria in response to escalation

The UK government has allocated £300,000 to the White Helmets to aid their efforts in responding to the recent surge in violence in Syria. This funding comes on top of more than £2 million the UK has provided to support humanitarian initiatives this year. The money will be used for crucial operations, such as search and rescue missions and ensuring people can receive humanitarian assistance.

Today, it was announced that the UK will provide extra humanitarian assistance to help Syrians impacted by the ongoing escalation of the conflict.

Provided by the White Helmets, also referred to as the Syria Civil Defence (SCD), this £300,000 funding is in addition to the £2 million that the UK has contributed over the past year.

The financial support will aid in search and rescue missions, improve access for humanitarian efforts, enhance the White Helmets’ current ambulance services, and help safely clear away unexploded ordnance.

The Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, stated:

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the White Helmets. They do essential work in Syria, rescuing many innocent lives and facilitating important humanitarian assistance.

Today, I am pleased to announce an extra £300,000 in support of the White Helmets during this crucial period. This funding will assist them in addressing the humanitarian issues that have emerged due to the current escalation.

We are still urging for an immediate reduction of tensions in Syria, emphasizing the need to safeguard civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian support.

Earlier this week, the Minister for the Middle East held discussions with members of the White Helmets to emphasize the UK's dedication to backing their essential efforts throughout Syria.

Since the surge in conflict that started on November 27, 2024, over 48,000 individuals have been forced to leave their homes in Syria. This situation has resulted in significant harm to essential civilian facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and camps for those displaced.

The UK is worried about the possibility of increased tensions in Syria and calls on all sides to prioritize the safety of civilians and vital infrastructure. This is essential to avoid more suffering, the displacement of those in need, and interruptions to critical humanitarian assistance.