Australia pledges aid for Syria

Australia will contribute an aid package of $12 million to help Syrians in crisis, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has announced.

The federal government has pledged $12 million to aid Syrians caught up in the country's brutal civil war. (AAP)

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The federal government will give $10 million in aid to Syrian refugees affected by the country's bitter civil war.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Thursday announced Australia  would pledge the funds towards winter relief for Syrian refugees who've fled to neighbouring countries, as well as medical assistance for those inside Syria.

An additional $2 million will go towards efforts to destroy Syria's chemical weapons.

The funds will be granted to United Nations agencies.