Syria Crisis: Two Years On, A Conflict of Catastrophic Proportions

Members of the Free Syrian Army clean their AK47s (Courtesy of VOA News)

Today marks the two-year anniversary of a conflict that has claimed the lives of over 70,000 Syrians and created over one million refugees. As a result of the violence, the number of people in need of critical support inside Syria has increased from one to four million in the past year, including at least two million, who have been forced to flee their homes to other areas of the country. And on top of the refugee crisis, clashes are spilling over the Iraqi and Lebanese borders. People in Tunisia are as angry about this situation as people in Britain.

The international community is of course hugely engaged in trying to find a solution. The UK, for its part, is working in support of UN/Arab League Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi in his continuing efforts to promote dialogue. We are also pursuing diplomatic efforts to pave the way for a UN Security Council-backed transition process.

At the same time, there is an enormous and urgent task to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The UK has contributed over $200 million in humanitarian aid. Others have done the same. But the needs will continue to grow in the absence of progress towards a solution.

There has been much debate about the question to what extent outsiders should support the Syrian opposition. As that debate continues, the UK has committed over $30 million in non-military practical support. After successfully securing an amendment to the EU arms embargo, this assistance can now include non-lethal military equipment and technical assistance to the Syrian National Coalition intended for the protection of civilians.

The UK has not ruled out any course of action in the future. On this, the second anniversary of this tragic chapter of Syria’s history, we are more determined than ever to bring this crisis to an end and to support the Syrian people in building the peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Syria they deserve.

This article was written by Christopher O’Connor, her Majesty’s ambassador to Tunisia. This post reflects the opinions of the author and not those of Tunisia Live as a publication.