To ask the Secretary of State for International Development

(1) what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the number of street children in Syria;

(2) what steps her Department is taking to help street children in Syria.

We remain gravely concerned by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria and the effects of the conflict on all segments of society, including children. That is why the UK has now committed £30.5 million to the humanitarian crisis affecting Syria, over half of which is dedicated to meeting essential humanitarian needs of those in Syria.

Since July, UK support has provided food to 145,000 internally displaced people, water and sanitation to 60,000, targeted medical services and supplies for up to 25,000, and shelter and relief items across the country. Our aid is not specifically targeted at children, but it will reach them along with others in need.

We are also supporting the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN body charged with ensuring children's safety, with refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. UNICEF's work includes providing counselling and child protection and supporting children to continue their education.