US announces $100m in humanitarian aid to Syria

The United States announced late Wednesday USD 100 in humanitarian assistance for those affected by the violence in Syria and for the Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. "The United States is providing an additional USD 100 million in humanitarian assistance to support those affected by the violence within Syria and the more than 1.4 million refugees across the region", said State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki in a statement. "This new funding is in addition to the nearly USD 25 million in food assistance for Syria announced by Secretary Kerry in Istanbul April 21. The United States remains the single-largest contributor of humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people, and with today's announcement, is now providing nearly USD 510 million in humanitarian assistance", she added. Psaki noted that the United States "reaffirms our support and appreciation to those countries hosting refugees, and commends their efforts to provide protection and assistance to all who are fleeing the violence inside Syria". "The United States recognizes the significant strains on local populations and the economic impacts of providing aid to refugees, and commends the hospitality of the citizens and governments who are welcoming refugees into their communities. We call on all governments to continue keeping their borders open to all who are fleeing the violence in Syria", she added. Psaki concluded by mentioning that this USD100 million announcement "will support the activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), both within Syria and as part of the regional refugee response in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon".