Kiwi highlights the cost of weapons supply in Syria

For immediate release

Kiwi highlights the humanitarian cost of weapons supply in Syria

Aucklander Andrew Robinson has just returned home from helping the victims of the Syrian conflict. He fears that the decision by various countries to supply arms to different sides in the conflict, will not only put more lives in danger but will greatly add to the burden of neighbouring countries like Lebanon, who are struggling to support Syrian refugees.

Mr Robinson was stationed with one of TEAR Fund’s partners, in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on the Syrian border, and in Jordan, where refugees have been pouring into the country in their thousands. Mr Robinson says the scale of the problem is massive, and the situation and loss of life will only intensify if weapons are supplied. Because humanitarian agencies are vastly underfunded, they are already struggling to cope with the high influx of refugees now, he says.

“To put this into perspective for Kiwis; imagine if the population of Auckland had to get out of the country, and the rest of New Zealand’s population had to move out of their homes because of fighting. That is what Syria is dealing with now, with 1.6 million refugees, and over 5 million displaced within Syria.”

He says many refugees arrive in Lebanon with nothing, not daring to bring any possessions with them as they flee their homes in Syria. This has put enormous pressure on the countries hosting the refugees as well. “Again, to put this in perspective, imagine if half a million Australians came into New Zealand needing a place to live. This is Lebanon’s reality. As well as needing accommodation, they would need jobs, and because they’re in a desperate situation, they would be prepared to work for less than what Kiwis are earning.” He says, “they also need other services such as hospitals and schools, and with the demand on food, the price goes up for everyone. This creates an enormous burden on the host countries.”

The situation in Syria can only get worse with the proposed intervention, and the need for funds will grow exponentially, he says. Mr Robinson is urging Kiwis to dig deep for the innocent victims of this conflict. TEAR Fund, through its partners is providing such things as, emergency food, blankets and financial assistance to families hosting Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan.

To support the victims of Syria’s conflict go to tearfund.org.nz, or phone 0800 800 777.

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