The Japanese government has donated around US$ 7 million to UNICEF for the provision of essential services to vulnerable children and their families in regions affected by both earthquakes and the ongoing conflict in Syria. Hirofumi Miyake, charge d’affaires and Special Coordinator for Syria expressed Japan's ongoing commitment to supporting children impacted by conflict and earthquakes in Syria. The contribution aims to address immediate emergency needs and also focuses on fulfilling long-term requirements, ensuring that more children in Syria have access to fundamental necessities like education, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Before the devastating earthquakes on February 6, 2023, Syrian children were already facing immense challenges due to 12 years of continuous conflict, causing a breakdown in the systems providing essential services for them. The earthquakes worsened the situation, causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure and impacting over 8.8 million people, including 3.7 million children. The collaboration with Japan aims to support the restoration of water facilities (such as elevated water tanks, networks, pumping stations, and treatment plants) and sanitation networks damaged by the earthquakes. This partnership seeks to enhance children's access to secure learning environments by rehabilitating schools and establishing temporary learning spaces. Additionally, it will offer non-formal education for children not attending school and those at risk of dropping out, while also building the capacity of teachers and education personnel.
Yasumasa Kimura, UNICEF's representative in Syria, expressed gratitude for the significant contribution from the Government of Japan, emphasizing that it will play a crucial role in restoring essential services for over half a million children and their families. Kimura highlighted the commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind and mentioned that the support will also strengthen community resilience. Japan has been a longstanding and highly regarded partner for UNICEF, ranking among its top donors. Between 2020 and 2023, the Government of Japan contributed approximately USD 49.9 million to assist vulnerable children and families in Syria.
