Syria: conference raised billions in aid

World leaders from more than 60 countries were joined by representatives from international organisations and NGOs.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the money would provided food supplies, medical care and shelter for the millions of people affected by the five-year conflict.

Mr Cameron said more than 5bn euros has been pledged for 2016 alone.

A further 5bn will be donated over the years until 2020.

"We have secured approaching six billion dollars for 2016 alone, and a further five billion dollars over the longer term to 2020.

And it means millions of people will now receive life-saving food, medical care and shelter in Syria and beyond.”

Neighbouring host country Jordan is one of those hardest-hit by the crisis gripping Syria.

"In supporting our refugee response you will not only be addressing the urgent needs of millions, you will be helping my country continue to do the right thing – fulfilling a critical role in our region and staying strong for the world.” King Abdullah II told the audience.

Educating the young

Access to opportunities for education and employment in neighbouring host countries will also improve.

Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon have pledged to make sure all refugee children are given access to education.

One million children currently not in school will have access to education by the end of the school year.

"The international union is backing them with the resources which will allow them to ensure there is no lost generation,” Mr Cameron said.

More employment opportunities

The neighbouring countries had also, he said, made a "courageous commitment” to open their economies to provide more jobs – helped with $40bn of loans and the opening of European markets that would create one million new jobs in the region.

What they are saying

"Never has the international community raised so much money on a single day for a single crisis,” – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"Today, one of every five people living in our kingdom is a Syrian refugee. It is as if the UK had absorbed the entire population of Belgium.” – KIng Abdullah II of Jordan

"I think the signal that we send as part of this conference is a signal to all Syrians. Not only the Syrians in Turkey or Jordan or Lebanon, but also the Syrians within their own country that we will do everything possible to help them. This conference is for them.” – German Chancellor Angela Merkel

(euronews.com)