Qatar’s Humanitarian Aid to Syria A Continuous Moral Commitment Since Crisis Began

Doha: Since the crisis erupted in Syria in March 2011, the government and people of the State of Qatar have been keen to support the Syrian people, guided by their humanitarian, moral, and fraternal commitments. The State of Qatar offered relief aid to refugees and internally displaced people. Since then, the total amount of Qatari aid for the Syrian people has surpassed USD 2 billion, given through direct government support or civil society organizations and humanitarian, charitable organizations.

According to Qatar News Agency, at the 3rd International Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait in 2015, the State of Qatar launched an initiative to establish a fund for vocational education and training for Syrians, pledging USD 100 million, with USD 20 million allocated to finance this fund. In support of the Syrian people, Doha hosted the 10th meeting of the major donors group for Syria on June 14, 2024, amid the inability of the international community to address the root causes of the crisis at that time.

The State of Qatar mobilized state institutions and ministries in a significant donation campaign in the Darb Al Saai area in Doha, raising approximately USD 330 million to support Aleppo. This effort earned a letter of thanks from the United Nations, and Doha hosted a regional meeting in April 2017 with the UN and 25 Qatari and regional non-governmental organizations, resulting in pledges of USD 262 million for the humanitarian response in Syria.

In this context, Qatar has led initiatives providing solutions and hope to Syrians, including education and vocational training projects benefiting 400,000 children over five years, and the Educate A Child initiative, which reached nearly 985,000 Syrian children. Additionally, the Qatari government has worked to reunite thousands of Syrians with their families residing in Qatar.

Under the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the first aircraft of the Qatari Armed Forces arrived in Gaziantep, Turkey, on December 10, carrying food, medical, and shelter supplies provided by the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD). This was part of an airlift to aid Syrians and address the humanitarian situation.

The State of Qatar has consistently provided aid to Syrian refugees and displaced people, with a plane from the Qatari Armed Forces landing at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport on December 23 with humanitarian supplies from QFFD. Another aircraft arrived at Damascus International Airport on December 30, providing ambulances, food, and medications, along with technical assistance to help re-operate the airport and ensure aid flow to Syria.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad confirmed Qatar’s continued support for Syria in humanitarian and development fields to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people for dignity and a state of institutions and law. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani reiterated enhancing Qatari humanitarian aid in January during his meeting with Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Al-Shaibani and Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra.

The State of Qatar’s support for Syria reflects its commitment to Arab and humanitarian issues, aimed at achieving stability and development and building a state of institutions and law, in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people for a decent life. This support is part of a broad humanitarian commitment rather than just a political stance.