Humanitarian needs in Syria hit 12-year high

Damascus, 05 February 2023

“Over a decade of conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian conditions and a record-high level of needs in Syria, with one in every three people requiring humanitarian assistance just to survive,” the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim (RC/HC a.i) for Syria, Mr El- Mostafa Benlamlih warned.

Mr Benlamlih visited Rural Damascus in January, on his first mission to southern Syria, where he witnessed the effect of the crisis on vulnerable individuals and communities and the positive impact of humanitarian support in the area.

With an increase of four million people in just three years, over 15 million people in Syria require immediate assistance in 2023. “Sadly, needs are rising rapidly in Syria and not everyone who requires assistance is visible. Over 75 per cent of all sub-districts in the country are classified as being under severe, extreme, or catastrophic conditions. We must act quickly to ensure more communities do not slide into an inescapable loop of deprivation and negative coping mechanisms. Thanks to our generous donors, we are helping vulnerable population with much-needed support. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that vulnerable communities and individuals are protected from further shocks.”, Mr Benlamlih said.

On his visit to Rural Damascus, the RC/HC (a.i) met and spoke with women, men, girls, and boys who benefit from the support provided by the UN and humanitarian partners working in the area. In Harasta city, he met Sabah, who lives with her four orphaned grandchildren. “When we first returned to our home, there were no windows or doors, and we were freezing”, she said. Sabah’s family is amongst the 4,000 families in the city whose homes were rehabilitated by humanitarian agencies. After multiple displacements, Sabah said, “For the first time, I feel safe at home”.

Similarly, Nada, a mother of two, has benefitted from nutrition services. She voiced her concern, along with other mothers at the centre, that there are no alternatives to these critical services, which is why they must be sustained. What Nada wants is to be self-sufficient, saying, “I wish I could have my sewing machine back, so I can put food on the table and send my children to school.”

“Lifesaving assistance remains a priority, however, we need to build resilience so communities and vulnerable individuals can stand on their own feet.” Mr Benlamlih said.

On his mission, the RC/HC (a.i.) for Syria visited a rehabilitated school and a fresh meals project at a school, a child-friendly space and a women and girls safe space, the Harasta National Hospital and Harasta Citizen Service Center, Harasta Bakery and a shelter rehabilitation project.