Syria Humanitarian Fund Annual Report 2023

LETTER FROM THE HC

I am pleased to present the annual report for the Syria Humanitarian Fund (SHF), outlining the Fund’s achievements in 2023. The report also offers insights into allocation results, risk management framework, and effective programming.

For people living in Syria, 2023 was exceptionally challenging. On the top of 13 years of hostilities, the erosion of basic service capacity, and continuous economic downturn, the situation was exacerbated by a series of earthquakes which hit northern Syria and Türkiye on 6 February 2023, uprooting hundreds of thousands of families, and severely damaging infrastructure and facilities already weakened by the conflict, and , further increasing the vulnerability of millions of people already unable to meet their basic needs. For millions of Syrians, 2023 was one of the hardest years since conflict started in 2011.

Amid these complexities, the SHF played vital role in providing crucial and timely humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Syria. In 2023, SHF funds enabled our partners to assist 1.7 million people in need of life-saving and lifesustaining assistance. The Fund allocated $ 59.6 million, the third largest value since its inception in 2014, in support of 101 projects . The SHF also received a record-high funding - $ 80.6 million - thanks to the generosity of donors.

I wish to express my appreciation to the SHF donors for their partnership and unwavering support. Their strong commitment continues to empower the Fund and its partners to respond to the highest priority needs on the ground. Donors’ timely contributions in 2023 allowed for prompt allocations, particularly in response to the urgent requirements arising from the earthquakes. I also wish to express my gratitude to the SHF Advisory Board for their strategic guidance, as well as the efforts of our sector coordinators and implementing partners, delivering on the much needed and timely assistance.

As we reflect on the collective achievements of the SHF over the past year, we acknowledge the ongoing complexity and significant underfunding of the humanitarian response in Syria. The number of individuals requiring humanitarian assistance increased to 16.7 million in 2024 from 15.3 million in 2023, amid a challenging funding environment. In 2024, the SHF will therefore focus on mobilizing resources and continue channeling them to the best placed humanitarian partners to address the critical needs of millions affected by the crisis. Specifically, we aim to enhance early recovery responses by creating livelihood opportunities and ensuring sustained access to essential services, while also addressing the critical humanitarian needs. The SHF will strive to increase funding for national organizations by expanding our pool of eligible partners and fostering collaboration with NNGOs.

Sincerely, Adam Abdelmoula

Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria