World Vision applauds introduction of Syrian Humanitarian Resolution

WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2014) — World Vision applauds the introduction of the Syrian Humanitarian Resolution of 2014 by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). The organization is urging other other Senators to join their colleagues by co-sponsoring this important bipartisan resolution.

“This is a key chance for Congress to speak with one voice to show the American public they believe this is an important issue, as this crisis approaches its 4th year of bloodshed, with women and children caught in the middle of a conflict they did not create,” said Nathaniel Hurd, Conflict Policy Advisor for World Vision. “Although there is a range of opinions from senators on how this conflict can and should be dealt with, this resolution is a bold statement that above the politics, the humanitarian needs should come first.”

The Syria crisis reaches its three-year anniversary this week. The resolution comes as a new poll conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of World Vision among more than 2,000 U.S. adults found that one in five Americans (21%) admit to being not at all familiar with the conflict. Those who are familiar are overwhelmingly likely to say the United States should do something to help, either through increased humanitarian aid, increased diplomatic pressure or other measures (76%, vs. 24% who say the U.S. should not help in any way). Currently 9.3 million Syrians are in need of immediate aid, and 6.5 million are displaced from their homes.

“This is the first time we’ve seen Congress stepping in to speak specifically to the humanitarian situation in Syria and the need for action. The images and the impact on people is hard to ignore and the numbers show this has become one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time,” Hurd said.

Passage of the Syrian Humanitarian Resolution of 2014 would be an important statement from the U.S. Congress in recognizing the scale of the crisis and the depth of the human rights violations being committed.  The resolution calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately halt indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and urges all parties in Syria to allow for and facilitate immediate, unfettered access to humanitarian aid throughout the Syrian Arab Republic, respecting the safety, security, independence, and impartiality of humanitarian workers and ensuring freedom of movement to deliver aid. It also supports the immediate and full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2139 which is the next key test of ensuring desperately needed aid reaches millions of Syrians.

Our organization is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the people of Syria do not lose another year to bloodshed and suffering. We stand with the people of Syria, and people around the world, in calling for our leaders to make the same commitment and engage the public. We urge strong support for and swift passage of this critical resolution.

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Nathaniel Hurd, conflict policy advisor for World Vision is available for interviews. Please contact Lauren Fisher ([email protected]) 206-310-5476 for more information.

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

Highlights

  • First time Congress is specifically addressing the humanitarian situation in Syria; calling for concrete plan from White House
  • Poll finds 76 percent of Americans familiar with Syria conflict think U.S. should help
  • 9.3 million people in need of immediate aid from crisis as it enters its fourth year