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Story
20 March 2023
Donors' Conference to raise funds, mobilise resources and coordinate the recovery and relief response following the devastating earthquakes
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20 March 2023
International Donors’ Conference “Together for the people in Türkiye and Syria”, The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, MR. El-Mostafa BENLAMLIH
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Press Release
15 March 2023
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
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Syrian Arab Republic
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Syria:
Press Release
15 March 2023
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
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.
Story
21 March 2023
International Donors’ Conference “Together for the people in Türkiye and Syria”, The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, MR. El-Mostafa BENLAMLIH
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bonsoir and Al-Salam Alikium The earthquake has been for Syrian people akin to the effect of COVID-19 infecting a sick body weakened by 12 years of crisis. Its impact is devastating. This time it is not war, it is the very earth Syrians believed it was reliable, until it shook. This is a crisis on top of a crisis and terrible shock for Syrians.
Since the 6th of February, 500,000 people have been displaced, and thousands more lost access to basic services and livelihood. Collective shelters, camps, and informal settlements are overcrowded. Violence, abuse, and mental health are on the rise. Hygiene is disastrous, and cholera lurks around the corner.
As USG Achim Steiner just said, before this earthquake, 15.3 million people— 70 per cent of the country’s population—needed assistance. 4.1 million were already living under extreme or catastrophic humanitarian conditions. Add to this a terrible earthquake.
Human reality is grim. Dina is a young teacher, mother of 4 children, and displaced for the third time in 12 years. I met her in a shelter in Aleppo. Her building collapsed. She now lives in the very same classroom where she used to teach. She lost everything. Fridge, TV, furniture, everything. Her husband’s small business is buried under the rubble. From a struggling middle class, the family is suddenly thrown into the humanitarian basket. She is scared to go to the bathroom at night. “There is no light, no running water, no security. We have nothing left." She shouted.
Thousands of men, women, children, orphans, and vulnerable people need shelter, food, medicine, blankets, toilets, water, electricity, sewerage, education, health services, and protection. Above all, they need dignity, they need jobs, and legitimate options in life. If left without options, people will seek alternatives elsewhere.
The first weeks of response have uncovered deep vulnerabilities that need to be addressed if humanitarian efforts are to be effective. The absence of basic enabling systems, that is energy, water, sewerage, and basic infrastructure is hindering humanitarian work. Business as usual will only lead to more People-in-Need.
Let us do it right this time. While lifesaving and life sustenance are important, assistance must take the people out of poverty, reduce vulnerabilities, and break the cycle of dependency on aid. Excellencies,
The estimated needs are vast and vary between $7.9 billion (the WB) and $14.8 billion (UN). The preliminary UN estimates come from the Syria Earthquake Recovery Needs Assessment, or SERNA. The most badly hit sectors are Housing, Land and Settlements, Health and Nutrition, Education, and WASH. 75% are partially damaged, if repaired immediately will restore services and allow people to live with some sense of dignity.
The UN is already on the ground and we are ready to scale our efforts to the needs.
The next 24 months are crucial. We need both life sustenance and early recovery. These are two sides of the same coin. Life sustenance alone will only lead to an increase in the number of People in Need. Excellencies,
Millions of men, women, and children in Syria, in all of Syria, need our support. Let us focus on people not on politics. We need your support, we need funds, and we need access.
Humanitarian assistance needs to flow without any hinderances.
Without adequate resources, and a proper approach, there could be more people require humanitarian assistance by the start of 2024. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Please be generous. Help the survivors recover their livelihoods so they are able to put food on the table. Help them rebuild their lives. Young boys and girls must enjoy safety of a home, education, health, protections, and a better future.
If we do not act now, hundreds of thousands will be trapped into poverty, despair, and chaos. Let us make sure we put people first.
Your presence today, is a proof that you care.
Thank you.
Bonsoir and Al-Salam Alikium The earthquake has been for Syrian people akin to the effect of COVID-19 infecting a sick body weakened by 12 years of crisis. Its impact is devastating. This time it is not war, it is the very earth Syrians believed it was reliable, until it shook. This is a crisis on top of a crisis and terrible shock for Syrians.
Since the 6th of February, 500,000 people have been displaced, and thousands more lost access to basic services and livelihood. Collective shelters, camps, and informal settlements are overcrowded. Violence, abuse, and mental health are on the rise. Hygiene is disastrous, and cholera lurks around the corner.
As USG Achim Steiner just said, before this earthquake, 15.3 million people— 70 per cent of the country’s population—needed assistance. 4.1 million were already living under extreme or catastrophic humanitarian conditions. Add to this a terrible earthquake.
Human reality is grim. Dina is a young teacher, mother of 4 children, and displaced for the third time in 12 years. I met her in a shelter in Aleppo. Her building collapsed. She now lives in the very same classroom where she used to teach. She lost everything. Fridge, TV, furniture, everything. Her husband’s small business is buried under the rubble. From a struggling middle class, the family is suddenly thrown into the humanitarian basket. She is scared to go to the bathroom at night. “There is no light, no running water, no security. We have nothing left." She shouted.
Thousands of men, women, children, orphans, and vulnerable people need shelter, food, medicine, blankets, toilets, water, electricity, sewerage, education, health services, and protection. Above all, they need dignity, they need jobs, and legitimate options in life. If left without options, people will seek alternatives elsewhere.
The first weeks of response have uncovered deep vulnerabilities that need to be addressed if humanitarian efforts are to be effective. The absence of basic enabling systems, that is energy, water, sewerage, and basic infrastructure is hindering humanitarian work. Business as usual will only lead to more People-in-Need.
Let us do it right this time. While lifesaving and life sustenance are important, assistance must take the people out of poverty, reduce vulnerabilities, and break the cycle of dependency on aid. Excellencies,
The estimated needs are vast and vary between $7.9 billion (the WB) and $14.8 billion (UN). The preliminary UN estimates come from the Syria Earthquake Recovery Needs Assessment, or SERNA. The most badly hit sectors are Housing, Land and Settlements, Health and Nutrition, Education, and WASH. 75% are partially damaged, if repaired immediately will restore services and allow people to live with some sense of dignity.
The UN is already on the ground and we are ready to scale our efforts to the needs.
The next 24 months are crucial. We need both life sustenance and early recovery. These are two sides of the same coin. Life sustenance alone will only lead to an increase in the number of People in Need. Excellencies,
Millions of men, women, and children in Syria, in all of Syria, need our support. Let us focus on people not on politics. We need your support, we need funds, and we need access.
Humanitarian assistance needs to flow without any hinderances.
Without adequate resources, and a proper approach, there could be more people require humanitarian assistance by the start of 2024. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Please be generous. Help the survivors recover their livelihoods so they are able to put food on the table. Help them rebuild their lives. Young boys and girls must enjoy safety of a home, education, health, protections, and a better future.
If we do not act now, hundreds of thousands will be trapped into poverty, despair, and chaos. Let us make sure we put people first.
Your presence today, is a proof that you care.
Thank you.
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Story
20 March 2023
Donors' Conference to raise funds, mobilise resources and coordinate the recovery and relief response following the devastating earthquakes
On 6 February 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by two devastating tremors, struck Türkiye and Syria, causing widespread destruction, and killing tens of thousands of people.
To help mobilise support from the international community in dealing with the devastating aftermath, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, as the Presidency of the Council of the EU, will jointly host a Donors' Conference on 20 March 2023 in Brussels.
The aim of the Donors’ Conference is to raise funds and coordinate the relief response in the areas affected in both countries. The conference will be organised in coordination with Turkish authorities.
Related resources
Agenda:
ttps://commission.europa.eu/document/download/41f3c708-ead9-422b-a3db-73085225a7eb_en?filename=Donors_Conference_agenda_0.pdf Media Advisory: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/8a825fe9-3cd2-4553-a6ca-85be3b940a77_en?filename=Media%20advisory_donors%27%20conference_%20final.pdf Social Media Resources: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/donors-conference-turkiye-and-syria/social-media-kit_en Live broadcast (starting at 3:30 pm Damascus time) https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/donors-conference-turkiye-and- Syria
ttps://commission.europa.eu/document/download/41f3c708-ead9-422b-a3db-73085225a7eb_en?filename=Donors_Conference_agenda_0.pdf Media Advisory: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/8a825fe9-3cd2-4553-a6ca-85be3b940a77_en?filename=Media%20advisory_donors%27%20conference_%20final.pdf Social Media Resources: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/donors-conference-turkiye-and-syria/social-media-kit_en Live broadcast (starting at 3:30 pm Damascus time) https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/donors-conference-turkiye-and- Syria
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Story
07 February 2023
Flash Updates: Earthquake Coordinated Response - Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) - Syrian Arab Republic
List of flash updates:
Flash Update #13 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 18 Feb 2023
Flash Update #12 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 17 Feb 2023
Flash Update #11 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 16 Feb 2023
Flash Update #10 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 15 Feb 2023
Flash Update #9 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 14 Feb 2023
Flash Update #8 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 13 Feb 2023
Flash Update #7 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 12 Feb 2023
Flash Update #6 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 11 Feb 2023
Flash Update #5 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 10 Feb 2023
Flash Update #4 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 9 Feb 2023
Flash Update #3 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 8 Feb 2023
Flash Update #2 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 7 Feb 2023
Flash Update #1 on Syria Earthquake Syria HCT areas - 6 Feb 2023
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Story
21 February 2023
Flash Appeal: Syrian Arab Republic Earthquake (February - May 2023)
TOTAL POPULATION 22.1M
PEOPLE AFFECTED 8.8M
PEOPLE TARGETED 4.9M
REQUIREMENTS (US$) $397.6M *At least 8.8 million people have been affected by the earthquake, with the majority anticipated to need some form of humanitarian assistance. This Flash Appeal will ensure assistance to the 4.9 million people with the most urgent humanitarian needs, covering an initial period of three months, until May. This Flash Appeal is complementary to the 2022-2023 Syria Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). 2023 projects for this second year of the HRP are online at a value of US$4.8b. Finalisation of the updated HRP strategic summary document has been paused in order to prioritise the earthquake response and this Flash Appeal. The intention is to later reconcile the HRP document and the ongoing earthquake response in the coming months, in consultation with the Government of Syria. Crisis Overview In the early hours of 6 February, multiple earthquakes, the strongest being of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The epicenter was identified as Gaziantep near the Türkiye-Syria border. At least 1,206 aftershocks have been confirmed as of date of publication. While the magnitude of the earthquake has affected north, central, south, and the coastal parts of Syria, severe human and material damages were reported, mainly in Aleppo, Hama, Idleb, and Lattakia Governorates, and impacting almost every person living in north-west Syria. The earthquakes have created a disaster of colossal proportions and casualty numbers keep climbing. They have destroyed many homes, basic service infrastructure and installations, leaving many people without food, water and shelter and in urgent need of emergency medical and psychosocial assistance. As of 12 February, in Syria at least 5,791 people have reportedly been killed and 10,041 injured, this includes 4,377 reported deaths and 7,692 reported injured in north-west Syria with many still trapped under the rubble. These numbers likely under-represent the true scale of needs, which will become clearer as further assessments are concluded. The humanitarian community estimates that 8.8 million people live in areas that have been most affected by the earthquake in Syria and have been impacted to varying degrees. Several factors are influencing and exacerbating the severity of humanitarian needs, including pre-existing large scale humanitarian needs, logistical and access constraints to certain areas, winter conditions and an ongoing cholera outbreak. Prior to the earthquake, some 15.3 million people in Syria were assessed to require humanitarian assistance in 2023, an all-time high for the country which is entering its 12th year since hostilities started. Public service provision - water, electricity, heating, and social services – which were already under strain before the earthquake, are under severe pressure, and people’s access to emergency healthcare is limited with hospitals overwhelmed. Lack of fuel and heavy machinery and equipment are also major issues, hampering efforts to quickly reach those most in need. The humanitarian community is rapidly adapting to the unfolding situation but has also been severely impacted with several NGOs and UN agencies having lost colleagues while others have been injured or had to evacuate buildings rendered unsafe.For a rapid scale-up of principled and effective humanitarian response in areas most affected by the earthquake humanitarian partners require US$397.6 million to help more than 4.9 million people in most acute need over a three-month period from February to May 2023. Immediate and flexible funding will be crucial for meeting existing and new humanitarian needs of millions of civilians affected by the earthquake. To save as many lives as possible, many humanitarian partners have re-allocated existing resources, including some that were addressing the needs of already extremely vulnerable communities, to support the earthquake response. Additional funding is urgently required to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation throughout the country. A regional Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocation of $25 million was announced on 7 February and a second allocation of $25 million specifically for Syria was announced on 10 February. At the time of the earthquake, the Syria Cross Border Humanitarian Fund (SCHF)1 had no remaining resources and the Syria Humanitarian Fund (SHF) had only $5 million which have been immediately allocated. Affected areas Overall, 170 sub-districts in 43 districts in ten governorates have been impacted by the earthquake. The most affected areas include Aleppo Governorate where 4.2 million people have been affected to varying degrees. Almost 3 million people in Idleb Governorate have also been affected. All ten governorates were exposed to shaking levels V to VII on the modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) scale. Many of these areas were already under high severity of needs following twelve years of hostilities that have resulted in structural damage to many buildings and infrastructures and weakened access to social services. In north-west Syria more than 1,700 buildings have been completely destroyed and more than 5,700 buildings have been partially destroyed. In Aleppo, 56 buildings reportedly collapsed, while an unspecified number of buildings in other affected locations also report damages to varying degrees. Affected populations and vulnerable groups The whole population living in north-west Syria (4.5 million), in addition to almost four million people living in government of Syria controlled areas and over 260,000 people in parts of north-east Syria were exposed to moderate, strong, very strong or severe shaking levels (V to VIII on the modified Mercalli intensity scale). Prior to the earthquake, 15.3 million people were found to be in need of humanitarian assistance across all Syria, of whom 4.1 million were living under extreme or catastrophic conditions, according to the Joint Intersectoral Analysis Framework (JIAF) severity scale. The disruption and collapse of essential public services and access to basic services will continue to cause multi-sectoral needs. In 2022, 85 per cent of households were unable to meet their basic needs, with a disproportionate impact on populations with vulnerabilities compounded by age, gender, and/or disability. In a country where only 59 per cent of hospitals, 57 per cent of primary health care facilities and 63 per cent of specialized centres were fully functional before the earthquake, this earthquake will result in a further collapse of basic services, and significantly delay any scope for recovery. The collapse of structures and buildings is causing extensive damage and loss of life, particularly for people living outside of camps. According to the Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) carried out in August 2022, 30 per cent of IDPs out of camps and 43 per cent of returned households in north-west Syria were living, before the earthquake, in risk-prone damaged houses or apartments, already struggling with shelter inadequacies, placing them at greater risks in the face of weather events and natural disasters. More than 30,000 displacement movements were recorded in north- west Syria between 6 February and 8 February. While comprehensive information on population displacement throughout the country is not available, Syria before the earthquake was already hosting the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world, estimated at 6.8 million. Before the earthquake, nearly 80 per cent of IDP households had been displaced for at least five years, and many experienced multiple displacements. It is likely that many of them will witness yet another wave of displacement. Displacements have already been reported from Deir-ez-Zor, Aleppo, Hama, Lattakia and Tartous.
The earthquake has not only resulted in additional displacement due to damaged/unsafe shelter but has also diminished the prospects for safe return of IDPs originally from earthquake-affected areas. Safe shelter will be one of the main needs in the aftermath of the earthquake. Earthquakes are age or gender neutral - they affect everyone in their vicinity - but their impacts are not. Gender inequality exacerbates the impact of disasters, and the impacts of disasters exacerbate gender inequality and vulnerability. Of particular concern are vulnerable women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities who are disproportionally affected. Learning from other similar contexts, the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse will likely increase with the limitation of mobility in the earthquake response, disruption of social safety nets and the lack of information around confidential reporting mechanisms makes it difficult for survivors (including children) to access whatever response services remain operational. In HCT coordinated response areas, approximately 148,000 women are currently pregnant and 37,000 of them are expected to deliver over the next three months. An estimated 5,550 women may experience complications requiring emergency obstetric care including C-section. An estimated 62,000 Palestine refugees living in four camps (Lattakia, Neirab, Ein-el Tal and Hama) in the north-west have also been affected by the earthquake, with 90 per cent of them estimated to be in need. Approximately 15 Palestine refugees are reported as missing in Latakia and Jableh, and rescue efforts are ongoing. In Neirab camp, 50 houses were partially damaged, in Lattakia 12 houses were destroyed and 21 were partially damaged while, in Aleppo eight houses were also partially damaged. Two of UNRWA’s installations (one school and one health centre in Neirab) were also damaged. On 8 February, UNRWA launched an appeal for $2.7 million to assist Palestine refugees who have been impacted by the earthquake. Ongoing assessments At the request of the Syrian Government, a seven-member United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team was deployed to Syria on 10 February to support Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) coordination, international response coordination and information management in support of national response efforts. UNDAC has also activated an assessment and analysis cell to facilitate information and data flow across operational organisations and agencies responding to the crisis. Pre-existing assessment arrangement and analysis mechanisms in each response area and at the Whole of Syria (WoS) level are being reinforced to coordinate data collection and information sharing. • In areas of north-west Syria where the response is coordinated through the HLG, 30 rapid need assessments had been completed by NGOs as of 12 February. At least four cluster specific, and one multi-sectoral assessment are ongoing, and results are expected in the coming days. The completed assessments mainly focused on casualties, damage assessment, the identification of urgent needs, and specification of worst hit locations. According to these preliminary assessments, more than 4,377 people have been reported dead and over 7,692 injured in at least 78 communities in north-west Syria, with estimates confirming the existence of hundreds of people still trapped under the rubble. At least 1,500 buildings have been completely destroyed, and over 5,500 buildings partially destroyed, resulting in over 11,000 families now homeless. Most urgent needs include heavy machines for debris removal, tents and Non-Food Items (NFIs), and heating material and fuel for hospitals. Preliminary assessments indicate that the sub-districts of Harim, Afrin, Atmeh, Sarmada, Atareb, and Kafr Takharim are among the worst hit areas. A comprehensive REACH assessment focusing on 1) damage to residential buildings/ key infrastructure, 2) priority needs by sector, 3) preferred modality of assistance (e.g., cash), 4) displacement, started on 9 February. • In the HCT coordinated area, the Syria Arab Red Crescent (SARC) has deployed three assessment teams to north-west Syria. In Aleppo, inter-agency assessments are ongoing, and a rapid nutrition assessment started on 8 February.
An inter-agency assessment was completed in Hama on 7 February. In the coastal area, more assessments are planned by humanitarian teams in the affected locations. WASH sub-national sector confirmed receipt of all needed information through water department and started coordinating with the authorities to find solutions for the impacted villages. Assessments of the structural integrity and safety of schools and health facilities are ongoing. Food Security and Agriculture Sector partners are conducting rapid needs and market assessments in Aleppo. Two technical teams were deployed to carry out WASH assessments in the northern and eastern rural parts of Aleppo. Several inter-agency shelter needs assessments are ongoing in Aleppo, Hama, Lattakia and Tartous. These preliminary assessments will be followed by more in-depth assessments by UNDAC teams. Response efforts of the host government, and de-facto authorities In Government of Syria controlled areas, all government technical teams and service departments have been deployed to support search and rescue efforts. SARC also immediately deployed its first aid and disaster management teams. However, the search and rescue efforts are being hampered by the lack of equipment. Government authorities have called for international assistance and support from the private sector. Access to affected locations in Aleppo, Lattakia and Tartous governorates is reportedly feasible. An emergency nationwide action plan has been set, and a 24-hour central operations room established to coordinate the Government response. Emergency operation rooms have also been established in the affected governorates. The Government dedicated 50 billion Syrian pounds ($7.35 million) as an initial emergency allocation for response and recovery. Directives have also been issued for assessments to be conducted on the safety of buildings in the affected locations, and to quickly determine the safety of dams, reservoirs and water stations. In north-west Syria, local authorities have declared a state of emergency following the earthquake. Community-based rescue teams have conducted search and rescue operations for people trapped under the debris of collapsed houses. According to civil defense partners, only five per cent of reported sites in need of search and rescue operations can currently be covered. The lack of heavy machinery to remove rubble and bad weather conditions complicate these efforts significantly. Given the general lack of food, water, and healthcare, many first responders are working under extremely aggravated circumstances. Local authorities have closed schools temporarily, a measure that will likely be prolonged. Health authorities are struggling with the influx of new patients and activated emergency measures, and asked population to donate blood. In north-east Syria, local authorities reported six deaths and 33 injuries in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, five injuries in the Shahbah region, four injuries in Ain al-Arab (Kobane), and additional injuries in Menbij, as of 9 February. Additional damage in multiple regions, including the collapse of a few buildings in Menbij, Ain al-Arab, and Raqqa, and minor damage in other areas were also observed, with ongoing damage assessment in multiple areas. Local authorities have also reported damage to key water infrastructure in the western Ain al-Arab region, resulting in cuts in service to more than 18 villages. Local authorities and private actors have also installed dozens of temporary shelters in Menbij, Ain al-Arab, Raqqa, and Qamishli cities for families who feel unsafe remaining in their homes for fear of aftershocks and delayed collapse of buildings. Hundreds of families have sought shelter in these nearby sites, though their movement remains highly dynamic. Support already received and delivered by partners On 7 February, the Emergency Relief Coordinator allocated $25 million to the regional earthquake response, of which $15 million will go to the Syria response. A second CERF allocation of $25 million for Syria was announced on 10 February. At the same time, the Syria Humanitarian Fund is finalizing a $5 million reserve allocation. The Syria Cross Border Humanitarian Fund is awaiting additional donor contributions before launching its own allocation to support relief efforts in the north-west. Both Humanitarian Funds are also showing flexibility and allowing their partners to re-programme activities where necessary. Under enormous courage, humanitarian organizations are supporting response efforts including search and rescue efforts, first aid, trauma care and psychosocial support, food, shelter, non-food items, healthcare including reproductive health, nutrition, WASH, and protection assistance. Sector partners are working with local authorities to undertake needs assessments across key geographic areas. The Health, WASH, ERL, and Shelter partners in HCT coordinated areas are also complementing and/or supporting technical government committees to carry out integrity and safety checks on infrastructure and installations including houses/homes, water reservoirs, water tanks and networks, health facilities and schools. Many Syrian NGOs have been on the frontline of the response since the first hours on 6 February. Some initial immediate assistance has been provided by north-west and north-east based partners using emergency prepositioned stocks. However, these stocks have been depleted and need to be urgently replenished.
PEOPLE AFFECTED 8.8M
PEOPLE TARGETED 4.9M
REQUIREMENTS (US$) $397.6M *At least 8.8 million people have been affected by the earthquake, with the majority anticipated to need some form of humanitarian assistance. This Flash Appeal will ensure assistance to the 4.9 million people with the most urgent humanitarian needs, covering an initial period of three months, until May. This Flash Appeal is complementary to the 2022-2023 Syria Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). 2023 projects for this second year of the HRP are online at a value of US$4.8b. Finalisation of the updated HRP strategic summary document has been paused in order to prioritise the earthquake response and this Flash Appeal. The intention is to later reconcile the HRP document and the ongoing earthquake response in the coming months, in consultation with the Government of Syria. Crisis Overview In the early hours of 6 February, multiple earthquakes, the strongest being of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The epicenter was identified as Gaziantep near the Türkiye-Syria border. At least 1,206 aftershocks have been confirmed as of date of publication. While the magnitude of the earthquake has affected north, central, south, and the coastal parts of Syria, severe human and material damages were reported, mainly in Aleppo, Hama, Idleb, and Lattakia Governorates, and impacting almost every person living in north-west Syria. The earthquakes have created a disaster of colossal proportions and casualty numbers keep climbing. They have destroyed many homes, basic service infrastructure and installations, leaving many people without food, water and shelter and in urgent need of emergency medical and psychosocial assistance. As of 12 February, in Syria at least 5,791 people have reportedly been killed and 10,041 injured, this includes 4,377 reported deaths and 7,692 reported injured in north-west Syria with many still trapped under the rubble. These numbers likely under-represent the true scale of needs, which will become clearer as further assessments are concluded. The humanitarian community estimates that 8.8 million people live in areas that have been most affected by the earthquake in Syria and have been impacted to varying degrees. Several factors are influencing and exacerbating the severity of humanitarian needs, including pre-existing large scale humanitarian needs, logistical and access constraints to certain areas, winter conditions and an ongoing cholera outbreak. Prior to the earthquake, some 15.3 million people in Syria were assessed to require humanitarian assistance in 2023, an all-time high for the country which is entering its 12th year since hostilities started. Public service provision - water, electricity, heating, and social services – which were already under strain before the earthquake, are under severe pressure, and people’s access to emergency healthcare is limited with hospitals overwhelmed. Lack of fuel and heavy machinery and equipment are also major issues, hampering efforts to quickly reach those most in need. The humanitarian community is rapidly adapting to the unfolding situation but has also been severely impacted with several NGOs and UN agencies having lost colleagues while others have been injured or had to evacuate buildings rendered unsafe.For a rapid scale-up of principled and effective humanitarian response in areas most affected by the earthquake humanitarian partners require US$397.6 million to help more than 4.9 million people in most acute need over a three-month period from February to May 2023. Immediate and flexible funding will be crucial for meeting existing and new humanitarian needs of millions of civilians affected by the earthquake. To save as many lives as possible, many humanitarian partners have re-allocated existing resources, including some that were addressing the needs of already extremely vulnerable communities, to support the earthquake response. Additional funding is urgently required to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation throughout the country. A regional Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocation of $25 million was announced on 7 February and a second allocation of $25 million specifically for Syria was announced on 10 February. At the time of the earthquake, the Syria Cross Border Humanitarian Fund (SCHF)1 had no remaining resources and the Syria Humanitarian Fund (SHF) had only $5 million which have been immediately allocated. Affected areas Overall, 170 sub-districts in 43 districts in ten governorates have been impacted by the earthquake. The most affected areas include Aleppo Governorate where 4.2 million people have been affected to varying degrees. Almost 3 million people in Idleb Governorate have also been affected. All ten governorates were exposed to shaking levels V to VII on the modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) scale. Many of these areas were already under high severity of needs following twelve years of hostilities that have resulted in structural damage to many buildings and infrastructures and weakened access to social services. In north-west Syria more than 1,700 buildings have been completely destroyed and more than 5,700 buildings have been partially destroyed. In Aleppo, 56 buildings reportedly collapsed, while an unspecified number of buildings in other affected locations also report damages to varying degrees. Affected populations and vulnerable groups The whole population living in north-west Syria (4.5 million), in addition to almost four million people living in government of Syria controlled areas and over 260,000 people in parts of north-east Syria were exposed to moderate, strong, very strong or severe shaking levels (V to VIII on the modified Mercalli intensity scale). Prior to the earthquake, 15.3 million people were found to be in need of humanitarian assistance across all Syria, of whom 4.1 million were living under extreme or catastrophic conditions, according to the Joint Intersectoral Analysis Framework (JIAF) severity scale. The disruption and collapse of essential public services and access to basic services will continue to cause multi-sectoral needs. In 2022, 85 per cent of households were unable to meet their basic needs, with a disproportionate impact on populations with vulnerabilities compounded by age, gender, and/or disability. In a country where only 59 per cent of hospitals, 57 per cent of primary health care facilities and 63 per cent of specialized centres were fully functional before the earthquake, this earthquake will result in a further collapse of basic services, and significantly delay any scope for recovery. The collapse of structures and buildings is causing extensive damage and loss of life, particularly for people living outside of camps. According to the Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) carried out in August 2022, 30 per cent of IDPs out of camps and 43 per cent of returned households in north-west Syria were living, before the earthquake, in risk-prone damaged houses or apartments, already struggling with shelter inadequacies, placing them at greater risks in the face of weather events and natural disasters. More than 30,000 displacement movements were recorded in north- west Syria between 6 February and 8 February. While comprehensive information on population displacement throughout the country is not available, Syria before the earthquake was already hosting the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world, estimated at 6.8 million. Before the earthquake, nearly 80 per cent of IDP households had been displaced for at least five years, and many experienced multiple displacements. It is likely that many of them will witness yet another wave of displacement. Displacements have already been reported from Deir-ez-Zor, Aleppo, Hama, Lattakia and Tartous.
The earthquake has not only resulted in additional displacement due to damaged/unsafe shelter but has also diminished the prospects for safe return of IDPs originally from earthquake-affected areas. Safe shelter will be one of the main needs in the aftermath of the earthquake. Earthquakes are age or gender neutral - they affect everyone in their vicinity - but their impacts are not. Gender inequality exacerbates the impact of disasters, and the impacts of disasters exacerbate gender inequality and vulnerability. Of particular concern are vulnerable women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities who are disproportionally affected. Learning from other similar contexts, the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse will likely increase with the limitation of mobility in the earthquake response, disruption of social safety nets and the lack of information around confidential reporting mechanisms makes it difficult for survivors (including children) to access whatever response services remain operational. In HCT coordinated response areas, approximately 148,000 women are currently pregnant and 37,000 of them are expected to deliver over the next three months. An estimated 5,550 women may experience complications requiring emergency obstetric care including C-section. An estimated 62,000 Palestine refugees living in four camps (Lattakia, Neirab, Ein-el Tal and Hama) in the north-west have also been affected by the earthquake, with 90 per cent of them estimated to be in need. Approximately 15 Palestine refugees are reported as missing in Latakia and Jableh, and rescue efforts are ongoing. In Neirab camp, 50 houses were partially damaged, in Lattakia 12 houses were destroyed and 21 were partially damaged while, in Aleppo eight houses were also partially damaged. Two of UNRWA’s installations (one school and one health centre in Neirab) were also damaged. On 8 February, UNRWA launched an appeal for $2.7 million to assist Palestine refugees who have been impacted by the earthquake. Ongoing assessments At the request of the Syrian Government, a seven-member United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team was deployed to Syria on 10 February to support Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) coordination, international response coordination and information management in support of national response efforts. UNDAC has also activated an assessment and analysis cell to facilitate information and data flow across operational organisations and agencies responding to the crisis. Pre-existing assessment arrangement and analysis mechanisms in each response area and at the Whole of Syria (WoS) level are being reinforced to coordinate data collection and information sharing. • In areas of north-west Syria where the response is coordinated through the HLG, 30 rapid need assessments had been completed by NGOs as of 12 February. At least four cluster specific, and one multi-sectoral assessment are ongoing, and results are expected in the coming days. The completed assessments mainly focused on casualties, damage assessment, the identification of urgent needs, and specification of worst hit locations. According to these preliminary assessments, more than 4,377 people have been reported dead and over 7,692 injured in at least 78 communities in north-west Syria, with estimates confirming the existence of hundreds of people still trapped under the rubble. At least 1,500 buildings have been completely destroyed, and over 5,500 buildings partially destroyed, resulting in over 11,000 families now homeless. Most urgent needs include heavy machines for debris removal, tents and Non-Food Items (NFIs), and heating material and fuel for hospitals. Preliminary assessments indicate that the sub-districts of Harim, Afrin, Atmeh, Sarmada, Atareb, and Kafr Takharim are among the worst hit areas. A comprehensive REACH assessment focusing on 1) damage to residential buildings/ key infrastructure, 2) priority needs by sector, 3) preferred modality of assistance (e.g., cash), 4) displacement, started on 9 February. • In the HCT coordinated area, the Syria Arab Red Crescent (SARC) has deployed three assessment teams to north-west Syria. In Aleppo, inter-agency assessments are ongoing, and a rapid nutrition assessment started on 8 February.
An inter-agency assessment was completed in Hama on 7 February. In the coastal area, more assessments are planned by humanitarian teams in the affected locations. WASH sub-national sector confirmed receipt of all needed information through water department and started coordinating with the authorities to find solutions for the impacted villages. Assessments of the structural integrity and safety of schools and health facilities are ongoing. Food Security and Agriculture Sector partners are conducting rapid needs and market assessments in Aleppo. Two technical teams were deployed to carry out WASH assessments in the northern and eastern rural parts of Aleppo. Several inter-agency shelter needs assessments are ongoing in Aleppo, Hama, Lattakia and Tartous. These preliminary assessments will be followed by more in-depth assessments by UNDAC teams. Response efforts of the host government, and de-facto authorities In Government of Syria controlled areas, all government technical teams and service departments have been deployed to support search and rescue efforts. SARC also immediately deployed its first aid and disaster management teams. However, the search and rescue efforts are being hampered by the lack of equipment. Government authorities have called for international assistance and support from the private sector. Access to affected locations in Aleppo, Lattakia and Tartous governorates is reportedly feasible. An emergency nationwide action plan has been set, and a 24-hour central operations room established to coordinate the Government response. Emergency operation rooms have also been established in the affected governorates. The Government dedicated 50 billion Syrian pounds ($7.35 million) as an initial emergency allocation for response and recovery. Directives have also been issued for assessments to be conducted on the safety of buildings in the affected locations, and to quickly determine the safety of dams, reservoirs and water stations. In north-west Syria, local authorities have declared a state of emergency following the earthquake. Community-based rescue teams have conducted search and rescue operations for people trapped under the debris of collapsed houses. According to civil defense partners, only five per cent of reported sites in need of search and rescue operations can currently be covered. The lack of heavy machinery to remove rubble and bad weather conditions complicate these efforts significantly. Given the general lack of food, water, and healthcare, many first responders are working under extremely aggravated circumstances. Local authorities have closed schools temporarily, a measure that will likely be prolonged. Health authorities are struggling with the influx of new patients and activated emergency measures, and asked population to donate blood. In north-east Syria, local authorities reported six deaths and 33 injuries in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, five injuries in the Shahbah region, four injuries in Ain al-Arab (Kobane), and additional injuries in Menbij, as of 9 February. Additional damage in multiple regions, including the collapse of a few buildings in Menbij, Ain al-Arab, and Raqqa, and minor damage in other areas were also observed, with ongoing damage assessment in multiple areas. Local authorities have also reported damage to key water infrastructure in the western Ain al-Arab region, resulting in cuts in service to more than 18 villages. Local authorities and private actors have also installed dozens of temporary shelters in Menbij, Ain al-Arab, Raqqa, and Qamishli cities for families who feel unsafe remaining in their homes for fear of aftershocks and delayed collapse of buildings. Hundreds of families have sought shelter in these nearby sites, though their movement remains highly dynamic. Support already received and delivered by partners On 7 February, the Emergency Relief Coordinator allocated $25 million to the regional earthquake response, of which $15 million will go to the Syria response. A second CERF allocation of $25 million for Syria was announced on 10 February. At the same time, the Syria Humanitarian Fund is finalizing a $5 million reserve allocation. The Syria Cross Border Humanitarian Fund is awaiting additional donor contributions before launching its own allocation to support relief efforts in the north-west. Both Humanitarian Funds are also showing flexibility and allowing their partners to re-programme activities where necessary. Under enormous courage, humanitarian organizations are supporting response efforts including search and rescue efforts, first aid, trauma care and psychosocial support, food, shelter, non-food items, healthcare including reproductive health, nutrition, WASH, and protection assistance. Sector partners are working with local authorities to undertake needs assessments across key geographic areas. The Health, WASH, ERL, and Shelter partners in HCT coordinated areas are also complementing and/or supporting technical government committees to carry out integrity and safety checks on infrastructure and installations including houses/homes, water reservoirs, water tanks and networks, health facilities and schools. Many Syrian NGOs have been on the frontline of the response since the first hours on 6 February. Some initial immediate assistance has been provided by north-west and north-east based partners using emergency prepositioned stocks. However, these stocks have been depleted and need to be urgently replenished.
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Story
15 February 2023
Guterres calls on countries to fully fund $397 million quake appeal for Syria
The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday announced a $397 million humanitarian appeal to aid the people of earthquake-ravaged Syria, to help secure “desperately needed” relief for nearly five million people.
Read the full story on UN NEWS [here]
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Press Release
08 March 2023
Statement on the Aleppo International Airport strikes by El-Mostafa Benlamlih the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Syria
The closure could have severe humanitarian implications for people in Aleppo, one of the worst earthquake impacted governorates in Syria. Because of the strikes, according to the Syria Ministry of Transport, all flights carrying earthquake aid had to be diverted to either Damascus or Lattakia.
The closure has also resulted in suspension of all flights from Aleppo for the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) – the key enabler of access for humanitarian operations in Syria and in many other crisis countries. The suspension is expected to last until at least 10 March. UNHAS transports humanitarian partners and humanitarian cargo, including life-saving health supplies like tetanus vaccines, testing equipment for blood transfusion and diabetes medication across Syria.
The impact of this closure impedes humanitarian access and could have drastic humanitarian consequences for millions of people who have been affected by the earthquake. Even more so, it could have adverse effects on the wider vulnerable population in need of humanitarian assistance.
Attacks must never be directed against civilians or civilian objects. The humanitarian community has been responding to one of the worst crises that hit Syria since 6 February against the background of 12 years of conflict, economic decline and a desperate humanitarian situation. We call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by taking all feasible precautions to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of hostilities. In addition, humanitarian air services must resume without delay so that emergency assistance can continue to reach those in need.
For further information:
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@un.org
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Press Release
22 February 2023
United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria a.i., Mike Robson, statement on strikes on central Damascus
The strikes in the early morning of 19 February hit a residential building, and reportedly killed a number of civilians, including one woman pharmacist, and injured at least five others. Several buildings in Kafer Souseh neighbourhood sustained significant damages and the residents in some of them had to be evacuated. The cultural centre in Kafer Souseh neighbourhood and two education facilities located inside the Damascus citadel - the Technical Institute for Applied Arts and the Intermediate Institute for Antiquities and Museums – also sustained significant damages in the strikes.
Civilians continue to suffer the tragic consequences of ongoing hostilities in parts of Syria, in addition to the tragic earthquake which hit Turkiye and Syria on 6 February.
Attacks must never be directed against civilians or civilian objects. We call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by taking all feasible precautions to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of hostilities. It is also paramount that all States put in place all possible efforts within their power to ensure a de-escalation of military operations and protection of civilians and civilian objects in Syria.
It is imperative that the girls, boys, women and men of Syria are able to lead a life free from fear of violence and destruction and be given the chance for a brighter future.
For further information:
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@un.org
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Press Release
08 February 2023
Joint statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Syria, El-Mostafa Benlamlih, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi, on the earthquake in Türkiye, Syria
The United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Syria, El- Mostafa Benlamlih, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support the people of Syria in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria on the morning of 6 February. The tragedy has already claimed thousands of lives and damaged scores of buildings.
In the early hours of 6 February, multiple earthquakes, the strongest being of 7.7 magnitude struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The epicenter was identified as Gaziantep near the Türkiye-Syria border and at least 78 aftershocks have been confirmed so far. The earthquake impacted several governorates in north, central, south, and coastal parts of Syria. Human and material damages were reported, mainly in Aleppo, Lattakia, Hama, Idleb, in addition to Tartous Governorates. The earthquake has left many without food, shelter and in need of medical and psychosocial assistance.
“We express our sincere condolences to the victims’ families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the people of Syria and Türkiye during this time of need. Urgent support is needed to be able to respond to all those who have been affected in this terrible tragedy,” said Mr Benlamlih.
Syria’s 12-year crisis has devastated the country, destroyed much of its public infrastructure and left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. Syria is also grappling with an economic collapse and a severe water, electricity and fuel shortages. Even before the earthquake, nearly 70 per cent of the population was in need of humanitarian assistance. “We appeal to all donor partners to provide the assistance necessary to alleviate suffering,” said Mr Hadi. “This tragedy will have a devastating impact on many already vulnerable families who struggle to provide for their loved ones on a daily basis,” he added.
The UN and humanitarian partners are assessing the impact in the affected areas and closely coordinating the response. The response focuses on the most immediate needs, including food, shelter, non-food items and medicines. Much more is needed to ensure no one is left behind. The response capacity in the affected areas is dire, where search and rescue operations are seriously hampered due to the lack of equipment and machinery and a difficult operating environment. The humanitarian community is grateful for the generosity of our donor partners so far and calls on all parties to ensure unfettered access to the affected communities to ensure timely, coordinated assistance.
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Press Release
11 December 2022
Joint Statement by UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria a.i. El-Mostafa Benlamlih, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi, on the 16 Days of Activism [EN/AR]
Today concludes this year’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence (GBV), a 30-year global mobilization calling attention on the violence that disproportionately affects women and girls everywhere. In Syria, it is women and girls who are paying the heaviest price of the crisis. It is estimated that 7.3 million people in Syria, the overwhelming majority of whom are women and girls, need GBV services.
Gender-based violence regrettably continues to be a persistent and living reality in Syria, taking the form of physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse. Every day, Syrian women and girls are confronted with movement restrictions and limited access to employment opportunities, protection services, healthcare, and other critical assistance. Displaced women and girls across Syria are particularly at risk, including in north-west Syria where 2.9 million people are internally displaced, 80 per cent of whom are women and children. GBV is a global crisis, and a critical health and human rights issue. Worldwide, it is estimated that in crisis contexts, one in three women are exposed to different types of GBV, and one of five women can be exposed to sexual abuses in her lifetime.
The UN in Syria is committed to help end gender-based violence across the country. We believe this is a shared responsibility by all – including public institutions, civil society, community members and leaders, humanitarian actors in Syria and the international community.
Safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and girls will require significant scaled-up investments in prevention and response, addressing not only the fundamental causes but also providing life-saving support and sustained essential services to survivors. Such support includes GBV prevention, and women and girl’s empowerment activities, training on GBV risk mitigation, legal services safe referral pathways and case management, providing dignity kits and sanitary napkins to vulnerable displaced populations in collective shelters, camps and during the national student exams, and other types of comprehensive inter-sectoral response programs that address the impact of the Syria crisis on women, and girls.
This work however comes with many challenges. Syria’s continuing socio-economic downturn, ongoing hostilities and violence in parts of the country, access constraints, to name a few, are of alarming concern. Rising food prices in the country have increasingly forced families to adopt negative coping mechanisms such as child marriage.
As the 16 Days of Activism draw to an end, our efforts need to continue year-round. We are restating our unwavering commitment to help eradicate all forms of gender-based violence in Syria and beyond. We continue to count on the support of our local partners, donors, and the international community to make that vision a reality.
For further information:
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@un.org
Madevi Sun-Suon, Public Information Officer, OCHA Türkiye Gaziantep, madevi.sun-suon@un.org
Yannick Martin, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Amman, martiny@un.org Disclaimer UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@un.org
Madevi Sun-Suon, Public Information Officer, OCHA Türkiye Gaziantep, madevi.sun-suon@un.org
Yannick Martin, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Amman, martiny@un.org Disclaimer UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.
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Press Release
24 November 2022
Millions in Syria face freezing temperatures without critical assistance [EN/AR]
The United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Syria, ElMostafa Benlamlih, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi, have warned of catastrophic risks to vulnerable Syrians as perilous winter conditions set in across the country, bringing rain, snow and freezing temperatures.
With just a few weeks left in the year, the 2022 Syria Humanitarian Response Plan remains underfunded, with only 42 per cent of the requested funds received. Additional funding is urgently required to deliver life-saving winter assistance for 6 million people in Syria, including vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), the elderly, people with preexisting medical conditions or special needs, families with children with severe disabilities and female-headed households.
According to the Shelter and Non-Food Items Sector, 6 million people across the country are in need of winter assistance, of whom 2.5 million people are in the north-west. Currently, the majority of Syria’s population cannot afford essential items due to high inflation and a collapsing economy. Millions of families across Syria live in perilous conditions, including those who are living in dire conditions in camps or sites of “last resort” with limited to no access to heating, health services or clean water supply. Country-wide electricity rationing, and chronic fuel shortages have left poverty-stricken families without any alternatives this winter.
“If no further funding is received, millions of people will be unprotected against severe winter conditions. We are most concerned about families who do not have the resources to buy warm clothes or heating supplies, including those living in IDP camps, deprived areas or areas of high elevation.
This is the 12th year of the crisis and the 12th winter of hardship for people in Syria,” said Mr Benlamlih. “Additional funding would secure warm clothing and boots for children and adults, fleece blankets, heaters and fuel. These basic items are desperately needed by the millions of vulnerable people in Syria to protect the health and wellbeing of families during dangerous and unpredictable weather conditions,” said Mr Hadi. The funding shortfall has jeopardized critical, life-saving interventions in shelter/non-food items, education, health, nutrition, WASH and protection and long-term life-sustaining interventions, such as wheat cultivation for the 2022/2023 agricultural season. For further information:
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@un.org
Yannick Martin, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Amman, martiny@un.org
Madevi Sun Suon, Public Information Officer, Gaziantep, madevi.sun-suon@un.org
This is the 12th year of the crisis and the 12th winter of hardship for people in Syria,” said Mr Benlamlih. “Additional funding would secure warm clothing and boots for children and adults, fleece blankets, heaters and fuel. These basic items are desperately needed by the millions of vulnerable people in Syria to protect the health and wellbeing of families during dangerous and unpredictable weather conditions,” said Mr Hadi. The funding shortfall has jeopardized critical, life-saving interventions in shelter/non-food items, education, health, nutrition, WASH and protection and long-term life-sustaining interventions, such as wheat cultivation for the 2022/2023 agricultural season. For further information:
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@un.org
Yannick Martin, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Amman, martiny@un.org
Madevi Sun Suon, Public Information Officer, Gaziantep, madevi.sun-suon@un.org
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