Amman – Sunday, 03 March 2019

The SRTF finalized its 2018 annual report today illustrating steady progress and accomplishments.

The SRTF reported the successful completion and closure of four projects in the Water, Solid Waste, Health and Food Security sectors bringing the total number of successfully closed projects, since the SRTF launch five years ago, to 18 projects. In all, these projects served almost eight million beneficiaries and demonstrated the success of the SRTF’s mandate in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.

Moreover, the annual report announced the SRTF’s approval of five new projects for a total of Euro 32 million.

2018 witnessed the launch of the SRTF’s Stabilization Programme in Raqqa Governorate that grew to four approved interventions serving 14 communities in Raqqa Governorate. with a total budget of EUR 17.4 million the aim of the stabilization interventions is supporting sectors such as agriculture, food security, and residents’ livelihoods by providing critical assistance to beneficiaries living in areas liberated from Daesh.

One recipient farmer of agricultural support expressed great relief and appreciation saying: “Our children can finally settle down and cultivate their own lands instead of looking for work in neighboring countries.”

The report illustrated the ongoing backing and vote of confidence of the SRTF Member States with additional contributions made to the SRTF resources by five of its donors in 2018. A total of EUR 38 million was contributed by; USA, UAE, Denmark, UK and Japan, of which EUR 28 million was allocated to the Stabilization Programme (Filling the Void) which showed steady progress on the ground. The additional contributions in 2018 bring the total contributions to the SRTF to EUR 221.4 million.

Commenting on the report findings, Eng. Hani Khabbaz, Director-General of the SRTF, expressed pride in the positive impact that the SRTF has had on beneficiaries. He voiced his “sincere gratitude for the ongoing backing and trust of member states” and stated: “the SRTF will build on these accomplishments and will work relentlessly to further enhance the already significant progress made over the past five years in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.”

He also thanked the SRTF team, particularly the Field Coordination Officers (FCOs) and the Implementing Entities (IEs) for their commitment and dedication.