The mission from 25-28 June includes MPs from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America representing IPU’s Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as well as a Jordanian Senator. It will visit Syrian refugees in camps and in urban environments as well as hold high-level meetings with King Abdullah, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, various government Ministers, the Speakers of both houses of the Jordanian parliament, and organizations working with refugees including UNHCR.
The field mission to Jordan follows the adoption of an emergency resolution at the 128th IPU Assembly in Ecuador in March 2013 on the Syrian refugee crisis and a UNHCR briefing to IPU’s IHL Committee.
About 1.6 million Syrian refugees have already sought protection in several Middle Eastern countries and another 200,000 new refugees are crossing neighbouring borders on a monthly basis, which could bring total Syrian refugee figures to 3.5 million by the end of the year according to UNHCR. It is estimated that half of the Syrian population will also be in need of humanitarian relief by the end of 2014.
The humanitarian response is badly under-funded with US$ 5.2 billion needed for 2013 and only US$1.24 billion received. With the conflict continuing in Syria and the escalating humanitarian crisis, the need for a political solution has never been greater.
Humanitarian leaders, including UN relief agencies, have appealed for international solidarity to increase dramatically, echoing IPU’s resolution highlighting the need for parliaments to work with governments in ensuring the necessary finance is made available.
“The Syrian crisis continues to provoke a strong reaction among IPU members and this mission reflects a keen desire among parliaments around the world to help find a solution. By getting first-hand accounts from Syrian refugees, the Jordanian authorities and the humanitarian community, we hope to get the necessary insights to mobilize a far greater international response to this refugee crisis,” says Anders. B. Johnsson.
The IPU resolution on Syria, the second in 12 months, focused on the need for parliaments to bring pressure on their governments to address the humanitarian crisis and support those countries sheltering the refugees. It also urged donor countries to fulfil pledges for humanitarian aid.
Findings from the mission will be reported back to the IPU membership at IPU’s next Assembly in Geneva in October 2013.
Other press releases