News outlets report on the humanitarian crisis in Syria, including concerns over starvation, and an upcoming donor conference to be held this week in Kuwait.

BBC News: U.N. concerns mount over besieged Syrians
“The U.N. humanitarian affairs chief has expressed deep concern for communities cut off in Syria by months of fighting between government and rebel forces. Valerie Amos told the BBC she had heard accounts of near starvation, including in the capital, Damascus…” (1/12).

Devex: U.N. ‘optimistic’ on 2014 donor pledges for Syria
“…Syria took almost half or $6.5 billion of the United Nations’ total funding request of $12.9 billion for its 2014 humanitarian operations, the largest appeal the world body has asked to date for a single crisis. And donors are expected to fill this amount — or at least part of it — starting Wednesday in Kuwait…” (Ravelo, 1/13).

Reuters: Charities pledge $400 million to Syria aid: Kuwait agency
“Non-governmental organizations have promised to donate a combined $400 million for humanitarian aid for Syria ahead of an international donor conference to be held in Kuwait, the Gulf state’s official news agency KUNA said on Tuesday…” (Westall, 1/14).

Reuters: U.N. feeds record 3.8 million in Syria but concerned by malnutrition
“The U.N.’s World Food Programme (WFP) delivered rations to a record 3.8 million people in Syria in December, but civilians in eastern provinces and besieged towns near the capital remain out of reach, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday…” (Nebehay, 1/14).