Joint Statement by the UN RC/HC a.i. for Syria, Mr El-Mostafa Benlamlih, and the RHC for the Syria Crisis, Mr Muhannad Hadi, on the 12 Years’ Anniversary of the Syria Crisis [EN/AR]
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Damascus and Amman, 15 March 2023 – Twelve years have passed since the crisis began in Syria and since then, women, men and children in Syria have endured untold suffering, including loss of life, livelihood, home and hope.
Syria remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian and protection emergencies with 15.3 million people across the country assessed to be in need of humanitarian assistance this year -- the highest number of people in need since the onset of the conflict. Syria also remains one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with 6.8 million people displaced inside the country, many several times over, and at least 6.8 million living as refugees outside of Syria.
Millions of Syrians are being pushed to the brink of survival amidst a collapse of basic services, ongoing cholera outbreak, increasing food and energy prices and an economic crisis. The devastating earthquake in February has added yet another layer of tragedy and despair, where 8.8 million people were affected.
The Syrian people have shown remarkable resilience and steadfastness throughout this protracted emergency.
The humanitarian community is fully committed to continue to support those most in need with life-saving assistance wherever they are across Syria. We will also support the resilience and early recovery of communities.
Humanitarian assistance, however, is not sufficient or sustainable. There must be a durable and comprehensive solution to end the conflict in Syria. All stakeholders must show the determination to continue pursuing lasting peace for the Syrian people to rebuild their devastated lives.
For further information:
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@un.org
Hayat Abu-Saleh, Regional Office for the Syria Crisis, abusaleh@un.org
The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.