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Press Release
29 November 2023
Joint Statement on the 16 Days of Activism Campaign by UN RC/HC for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and The RHC for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi
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Story
24 November 2023
Rehabilitating Dreams: The Human Voices behind Aleppo's School Rehabilitation Project
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Story
06 September 2023
Monthly Digests of the UN in Syria
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Latest
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
29 November 2023
Rehabilitating Dreams: The Human Voices behind Aleppo's School Rehabilitation Project
Childhood friendship: Mohammad and Ibrahim's Journey in School Rehabilitation
Mohammad Al-Ahmad and Ibrahim Afara, university students and lifelong friends, have recently gained employment with an ILO project aiming to rehabilitate three schools that were affected by the 2023 earthquake, involving 150 workers across 30 classrooms, totaling 4,000 worker days, and ultimately targeting to create a safe educational environment benefiting 3,500 pupils, in partnership with the implementing partner, the international NGO, ZOA.
They have poured their efforts into revitalizing their old school and refurbishing their cherished second-floor classroom, a space brimming with their shared childhood memories. Their commitment to the project showcases a profound bond that has persisted through time. Their collaboration isn't just about the physical renovation; it's a heartfelt tribute to their enduring friendship, bridging their past as classmates with their present as university students and dedicated workers contributing to their community.
For Mohammad Al-Ahmad, a young man yearning for a brighter future, this project means more than a paycheck. "Being the youngest in my family, working on my childhood school's rehabilitation with my childhood friend fills me with pride. It's an investment in my future," he reflects, carrying the hopes of a generation longing for stability.
“At 20 years of age, I've embarked on a new journey, one that blends my academic pursuit with a meaningful opportunity. My closest companion Ibrahim and I share countless memories of our childhood." Mohammad Al-Ahmad
“Currently enrolled in my first year of English Literature, I've stepped into the realm of earning an experience entirely new to me. This opportunity, seldom available for students due to conflicting university schedules, has been a rare gem,” he confides expressing gratitude for finding this job opportunity.
Mohammad prioritizes his education, seeking to excel at his studies. “What sets this project apart is its flexibility. Here, we're granted the liberty to take leave for exams and even attend lectures, aligning work hours with our academic commitments. It's a unique setup that pays per hour, accommodating the nuances of our university routines.”
“Beyond the immediate financial gains, this endeavor holds substantial value for my future. It's good for my resume. Yet, the significance lies beyond a mere line on a CV. Contributing to the rehabilitation of my childhood school feels deeply personal. Working on my very own classroom evokes a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of cherished memories interwoven with these walls,” he shares finding profound significance being involved with this project.
In the journey of Ibrahim Afara, an aspiring IT engineer, personal and family aspirations intertwine. "My father's unrealized dreams drive me. This opportunity supports my education and grants me invaluable experience," he confides. He has determination echoing through his pursuit of knowledge and growth.
Ibrahim, aged 21, reflects on a life shaped by the upheavals of war and a determined pursuit of education against all odds.
"When the war began, uncertainty loomed, yet we stayed, not knowing where else to seek refuge," Ibrahim shares, bearing witness to the dangers faced by his family. "I have two younger siblings, and I'm determined to guide my sister towards fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor."
Currently studying Information Engineering at university, Ibrahim navigates a dual life—a diligent student attending lectures and a dedicated worker at the ILO’s school rehabilitation project. "This job allowed me to purchase a laptop, an essential tool for my studies in IT engineering," he adds.
Ibrahim's pursuit of education carries a profound familial weight. "I am fulfilling my father's dream," he reveals. "He yearned for a university education but was unable to pursue it. Now, by attending university, I'm realizing his unfulfilled aspirations."
His father's struggles in providing for the family due to the loss of his job weigh heavily on Ibrahim's heart. "He used to work in clothes printing, and I assisted him. But circumstances forced him to sell the machines, leaving him unemployed."
The ILO project's flexibility, allowing hourly leave, is a rare blessing. "It permits me to balance work with university lectures, and covers my transport costs," Ibrahim explains, grateful for an opportunity seldom available to university students elsewhere.
"This school holds memories," Ibrahim muses as he installs tiles, revisiting his classroom on the second floor, where he and his friend Mohammad once studied. "It's nostalgic, imagining myself sitting in the front row as I usually did and learning with my classmates and teacher."
The organized work environment and emphasis on safety resonate deeply with Ibrahim.
“Learning rehabilitation work here is invaluable. It's an opportunity to enhance my skills that I am definitely going to use when I get married and have a home of my own – it would definitely save expenses if we need to reinstall tiles in my future home!" Ibrahim Afara
Beyond academics and work, Ibrahim cherishes his role within a team, relishing the teamwork experience that enriches his life. "Working together, understanding different age groups, I'm gaining life skills!"
Finally, Ibrahim passionately urges humanitarian and development organizations to follow the ILO's model, advocating for opportunities that combine education, experience, and empowerment for university students.
Um Abdulla's Story and the Ripple of Hope
Um Abdulla, currently working with the ILO project to rehabilitate schools in Aleppo that were affected by the 2023 earthquake Amidst the toil and hope, Um Abdulla's story stands as a testament to resilience beyond financial gains. "I clean the site, aid the workers, and feel I'm contributing. It's a way to cope," she shares.
"I have nine children—six girls and three boys. We had a son, but he passed away," shares a resilient mother whose life has been shaped by both loss and determination.
"Three of my daughters attend this school," she continues.
Her family's journey, marred by displacement due to war, brought them back to their home, now shared with her married son's family, leading them to live within the premises of the school where her husband works, brewing tea and coffee for the staff.
"When the earthquake struck, many sought refuge in the schoolyard; my husband opened the gates," she recalls.
“I provide refreshments to the workers and clean the site after hours. It's my first job, and it's not just about earning money; it's about overcoming the pain of losing my son." Um Abdulla
She emphasizes her vital role in ensuring cleanliness and facilitating the team's efforts. "I might not do heavy work, but cleaning is my contribution to the teamwork," she adds with pride.
Her sense of satisfaction isn't solely derived from financial gains; it's in witnessing the school's transformation and the happiness it brings to the students. "Their excitement about the school's renewal is heartwarming; they believe it will enhance their learning," she says, echoing the community's enthusiasm for the project.
Encouraging women to break societal barriers, she advocates for their participation in the workforce to alleviate financial burdens. "I urge women to work, support their husbands, and overcome social barriers," she says, determined to continue participating in such rehabilitation efforts.
Brushes of Resilience: Abu Ahmad's Story of Adaptation and Achievement
Nidal Al-Turk, currently working with the ILO project to rehabilitate schools in Aleppo that were affected by the 2023 earthquake Nidal Al-Turk, or Abu Ahmad, a devoted father to three boys aged 17, 16, and 13, shares a journey marked by displacement and perseverance amid adversity. "The war disrupted everything, especially my sons' education," he reflects. "We were displaced, returned home, only to face the earthquake that left our fifth-floor home dwelling with cracks in its walls and roof."
Before the conflict, Abu Ahmad worked diligently in a textile factory. However, an eye injury from work required surgery, leaving him with vision in just one eye. "I tried electrical work, but maintenance jobs were scarce. Then, I turned to my original trade, painting," he explains. "In our community, painting is often considered a luxury, not a necessity. But painting schools opened a door for workers like me."
The revelation about the ILO's school rehabilitation project came through a friend. "When I heard they needed painters, it felt like an opportunity," Abu Ahmad shares. “This work is comfortable, and although wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) was new to us, it's for our safety and results in better-quality work." Nidal Al-Turk
For Abu Ahmad, painting has become more than a trade - it's a means of providing despite his injury. "Due to my eye injury, painting feels like the right fit for me," he says.
Their testimonies echo a symphony of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. They signify more than just recovery; they symbolize a community rehabilitating not just schools, but the very fabric of their lives.
In Aleppo, the ILO's project isn't just about renovating structures; it's about breathing life into forgotten aspirations. Each stroke of paint, every laid tile, every cup of tea served stands as a testament to the human spirit's unwavering ability to rise above adversity.
Mohammad Al-Ahmad and Ibrahim Afara, university students and lifelong friends, have recently gained employment with an ILO project aiming to rehabilitate three schools that were affected by the 2023 earthquake, involving 150 workers across 30 classrooms, totaling 4,000 worker days, and ultimately targeting to create a safe educational environment benefiting 3,500 pupils, in partnership with the implementing partner, the international NGO, ZOA.
They have poured their efforts into revitalizing their old school and refurbishing their cherished second-floor classroom, a space brimming with their shared childhood memories. Their commitment to the project showcases a profound bond that has persisted through time. Their collaboration isn't just about the physical renovation; it's a heartfelt tribute to their enduring friendship, bridging their past as classmates with their present as university students and dedicated workers contributing to their community.
For Mohammad Al-Ahmad, a young man yearning for a brighter future, this project means more than a paycheck. "Being the youngest in my family, working on my childhood school's rehabilitation with my childhood friend fills me with pride. It's an investment in my future," he reflects, carrying the hopes of a generation longing for stability.
“At 20 years of age, I've embarked on a new journey, one that blends my academic pursuit with a meaningful opportunity. My closest companion Ibrahim and I share countless memories of our childhood." Mohammad Al-Ahmad
“Currently enrolled in my first year of English Literature, I've stepped into the realm of earning an experience entirely new to me. This opportunity, seldom available for students due to conflicting university schedules, has been a rare gem,” he confides expressing gratitude for finding this job opportunity.
Mohammad prioritizes his education, seeking to excel at his studies. “What sets this project apart is its flexibility. Here, we're granted the liberty to take leave for exams and even attend lectures, aligning work hours with our academic commitments. It's a unique setup that pays per hour, accommodating the nuances of our university routines.”
“Beyond the immediate financial gains, this endeavor holds substantial value for my future. It's good for my resume. Yet, the significance lies beyond a mere line on a CV. Contributing to the rehabilitation of my childhood school feels deeply personal. Working on my very own classroom evokes a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of cherished memories interwoven with these walls,” he shares finding profound significance being involved with this project.
In the journey of Ibrahim Afara, an aspiring IT engineer, personal and family aspirations intertwine. "My father's unrealized dreams drive me. This opportunity supports my education and grants me invaluable experience," he confides. He has determination echoing through his pursuit of knowledge and growth.
Ibrahim, aged 21, reflects on a life shaped by the upheavals of war and a determined pursuit of education against all odds.
"When the war began, uncertainty loomed, yet we stayed, not knowing where else to seek refuge," Ibrahim shares, bearing witness to the dangers faced by his family. "I have two younger siblings, and I'm determined to guide my sister towards fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor."
Currently studying Information Engineering at university, Ibrahim navigates a dual life—a diligent student attending lectures and a dedicated worker at the ILO’s school rehabilitation project. "This job allowed me to purchase a laptop, an essential tool for my studies in IT engineering," he adds.
Ibrahim's pursuit of education carries a profound familial weight. "I am fulfilling my father's dream," he reveals. "He yearned for a university education but was unable to pursue it. Now, by attending university, I'm realizing his unfulfilled aspirations."
His father's struggles in providing for the family due to the loss of his job weigh heavily on Ibrahim's heart. "He used to work in clothes printing, and I assisted him. But circumstances forced him to sell the machines, leaving him unemployed."
The ILO project's flexibility, allowing hourly leave, is a rare blessing. "It permits me to balance work with university lectures, and covers my transport costs," Ibrahim explains, grateful for an opportunity seldom available to university students elsewhere.
"This school holds memories," Ibrahim muses as he installs tiles, revisiting his classroom on the second floor, where he and his friend Mohammad once studied. "It's nostalgic, imagining myself sitting in the front row as I usually did and learning with my classmates and teacher."
The organized work environment and emphasis on safety resonate deeply with Ibrahim.
“Learning rehabilitation work here is invaluable. It's an opportunity to enhance my skills that I am definitely going to use when I get married and have a home of my own – it would definitely save expenses if we need to reinstall tiles in my future home!" Ibrahim Afara
Beyond academics and work, Ibrahim cherishes his role within a team, relishing the teamwork experience that enriches his life. "Working together, understanding different age groups, I'm gaining life skills!"
Finally, Ibrahim passionately urges humanitarian and development organizations to follow the ILO's model, advocating for opportunities that combine education, experience, and empowerment for university students.
Um Abdulla's Story and the Ripple of Hope
Um Abdulla, currently working with the ILO project to rehabilitate schools in Aleppo that were affected by the 2023 earthquake Amidst the toil and hope, Um Abdulla's story stands as a testament to resilience beyond financial gains. "I clean the site, aid the workers, and feel I'm contributing. It's a way to cope," she shares.
"I have nine children—six girls and three boys. We had a son, but he passed away," shares a resilient mother whose life has been shaped by both loss and determination.
"Three of my daughters attend this school," she continues.
Her family's journey, marred by displacement due to war, brought them back to their home, now shared with her married son's family, leading them to live within the premises of the school where her husband works, brewing tea and coffee for the staff.
"When the earthquake struck, many sought refuge in the schoolyard; my husband opened the gates," she recalls.
“I provide refreshments to the workers and clean the site after hours. It's my first job, and it's not just about earning money; it's about overcoming the pain of losing my son." Um Abdulla
She emphasizes her vital role in ensuring cleanliness and facilitating the team's efforts. "I might not do heavy work, but cleaning is my contribution to the teamwork," she adds with pride.
Her sense of satisfaction isn't solely derived from financial gains; it's in witnessing the school's transformation and the happiness it brings to the students. "Their excitement about the school's renewal is heartwarming; they believe it will enhance their learning," she says, echoing the community's enthusiasm for the project.
Encouraging women to break societal barriers, she advocates for their participation in the workforce to alleviate financial burdens. "I urge women to work, support their husbands, and overcome social barriers," she says, determined to continue participating in such rehabilitation efforts.
Brushes of Resilience: Abu Ahmad's Story of Adaptation and Achievement
Nidal Al-Turk, currently working with the ILO project to rehabilitate schools in Aleppo that were affected by the 2023 earthquake Nidal Al-Turk, or Abu Ahmad, a devoted father to three boys aged 17, 16, and 13, shares a journey marked by displacement and perseverance amid adversity. "The war disrupted everything, especially my sons' education," he reflects. "We were displaced, returned home, only to face the earthquake that left our fifth-floor home dwelling with cracks in its walls and roof."
Before the conflict, Abu Ahmad worked diligently in a textile factory. However, an eye injury from work required surgery, leaving him with vision in just one eye. "I tried electrical work, but maintenance jobs were scarce. Then, I turned to my original trade, painting," he explains. "In our community, painting is often considered a luxury, not a necessity. But painting schools opened a door for workers like me."
The revelation about the ILO's school rehabilitation project came through a friend. "When I heard they needed painters, it felt like an opportunity," Abu Ahmad shares. “This work is comfortable, and although wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) was new to us, it's for our safety and results in better-quality work." Nidal Al-Turk
For Abu Ahmad, painting has become more than a trade - it's a means of providing despite his injury. "Due to my eye injury, painting feels like the right fit for me," he says.
Their testimonies echo a symphony of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. They signify more than just recovery; they symbolize a community rehabilitating not just schools, but the very fabric of their lives.
In Aleppo, the ILO's project isn't just about renovating structures; it's about breathing life into forgotten aspirations. Each stroke of paint, every laid tile, every cup of tea served stands as a testament to the human spirit's unwavering ability to rise above adversity.
1 of 5

Story
05 March 2023
Monthly Digests of the UN in Syria
List of Monthly Digests
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - October 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/251332-monthly-digest-un-syria-october-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - September 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/248707-monthly-digest-un-syria-september-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - August 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/244806-monthly-digest-un-syria-august-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - July 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/241000-monthly-digest-un-syria-july-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - June 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/239471-monthly-digest-un-syria-june-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - May 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/234333-monthly-digest-un-syria-may-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - April 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/231094-monthly-digest-un-syria-april-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - March 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/229290-monthly-digest-un-syria-activities-march-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - Feb 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/221865-monthly-digest-un-syria-activities-feb-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - Jan 2023
https://syria.un.org/en/219143-monthly-digest-un-syria-activities-jan-2023
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - Dec 2022
https://syria.un.org/en/213985-monthly-digest-un-syria-activities-dec-2022
Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria Activities - Nov 2022
https://syria.un.org/en/210023-monthly-digest-un-syria-activities-nov-2022
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Story
11 June 2023
Rekindling Hope - Othayma's Inspiring Return to Learning
Rural Damascus - “When I was three years old, I remember my father telling me he would come and pick me and my sister up from our aunt’s house, but he never did,” said Othayma. She is now 15 years old and lives with her sister Nawara, 12, and grandmother Othayma, 66, in Nashabieh town in Rural Damascus.
Prior to the conflict, Othayma lived happily with her father, mother, and sister. Sadly, she lost her mother and father to the conflict.
Othayma’s grandmother had sought refuge from the conflict in neighbouring Jordan but as soon as she heard about the passing away of little Othayma’s and Nawara’s father in 2012, she packed her bags and retuned to Syria. “I had no money, no place to go to. For three years, we stayed on the streets, at bus stations and in public parks. Then one day, a good man offered us a room to stay in. It had been used to shelter displaced people,” said the grandmother.
“I helped other women to cook for a living,” she added. After seven years, when life was becoming increasingly expensive, Othayma and her granddaughters moved back to their hometown in Nashabieh. They stayed in her sister’s house, damaged during the conflict years.
The girls were out of school during the displacement. After their return to Nashabieh, things felt more stable, and their grandmother encouraged them to go back to learning.
“I know how to write some letters and numbers as I used to watch my cousins do their homework attentively. Sometimes, I’d cry at night as I desperately wanted to go to school,” said young Othayma.
In 2022, when the girls and their grandmother returned to their hometown, the primary school in town was visibly damaged from the conflict and its few functional classrooms were overcrowded with students.
"When I first saw the school after our return, it made me feel sad. All the holes on the walls and the big damage to the surrounding area were not welcoming. I didn’t want to go there. After a while, I passed by the school and the streets around it looked clean. Workers were painting the walls. I was curious and excited to go there."- Othayma, 15 years
A few days later in December 2022, the grandmother enrolled both Othayma and Nawara in the primary school.
In 2022, UNICEF, in partnership with UN-Habitat, began joint rehabilitation works in several schools to provide children a safe environment to learn. Othayma’s school was one of them.
UNICEF’s support included repair works to restore additional classrooms for students to learn in. The rehabilitation equipped the schools with handrails in corridors and ramps in entrances, making the school more inclusive for children with disabilities. UNICEF also carried out water and sanitation maintenance works, including the rehabilitation of the water well in Al-Nashabieh primary school. Complementing UNICEF’s efforts in bringing children back to safer schools, the UN sister agency UN-Habitat installed solar system lamps in the streets surrounding the schools, repaired the sidewalks in the area, planted trees around the schools, installed shaded seats and traffic signs and placed road bumps to ensure passing vehicles would slow down to enable students on foot to arrive safely to school.
“When I hold the pencil to draw, I forget all about the bad things and memories. I start dreaming of a future where I will be a happy and successful woman who can reward her grandmother for being a good person and for everything she has done for me,” said Othayma. She currently studies the ‘Curriculum B’, an accelerated learning programme, supported by UNICEF. The programme helps children who have missed out on their education to catch up to their peers. Othayma has also discovered her love for arts at school and wishes to become a painter or a hairdresser in the future.
"When I hold the pencil to draw, I forget all about the bad things and memories. I start dreaming of a future where I will be a happy and successful woman who can reward her grandmother for being a good person and for everything she has done for me." - Othayma, 15
Since 2022, UNICEF has supported the light rehabilitation of 55 schools across Syria, benefitting more than 24,000 children with access to a safe education environment. The works were made possible thanks to contributions from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KFW Development Bank, Governments of Finland and Japan, the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation. Also, these activities are part of the UN Joint Programme to Build Urban and Rural Resilience and the Conditions for Recovery in Syria, through UNICEF, and they have been implemented with support from the European Union and the Government of Norway.
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Story
15 May 2023
Secretary-General appoints Mr. Adam Abdelmoula of Sudan as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Syria
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Mr. Adam Abdelmoula of Sudan as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Syria. He will also serve as Humanitarian Coordinator. He took up his post on May 14.
Mr. Abdelmoula brings more than 35 years of experience in development, rule of law, human rights, humanitarian work and security, of which the last 24 have been with the UN.
Prior to his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator, he was serving as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, where he led the UN’s development and humanitarian activities amid the worst drought in generations, political instability, disease outbreaks and a looming famine.
Prior to this, Mr. Abdelmoula held different positions within the UN System, including as Director of the UN Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); Country Director for Iraq at the UN Development Programme (UNDP); Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative in Syria and Kuwait, Chief of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Section at OHCHR, Deputy Chief of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Human Rights Division, Chief Human Rights Officer of the United Nation Assistant Mission for Iraq and Senior Rule of Law and Human Rights Adviser for Somalia.
Before joining the UN, Mr. Abdelmoula worked for several international and regional organizations including Human Rights Watch, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, the Arab Lawyers Union and the Fund for Peace.
Mr. Abdelmoula has a doctorate in public international law from Georgetown University, a Master of Law from Harvard Law School and Batchelor of Law from Khartoum University.
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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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Press Release
29 November 2023
Joint Statement on the 16 Days of Activism Campaign by UN RC/HC for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and The RHC for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi
Damascus and Amman, 25 November 2023
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Every year, this day also kicks off the global 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence (GBV). This 32-year-old initiative shines a light on the violence that disproportionately affects women and girls everywhere, including in Syria. Over seven million people, the overwhelming majority of whom are women and girls, are currently in need of GBV services in the country. Worldwide, violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations.
This year’s theme is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.” The campaign calls on citizens to share the actions they are taking to create a world free from violence towards women. This year's campaign also calls on governments worldwide to share how they are investing in GBV prevention. The 16 Days campaign culminates on Human Rights Day, on 10 December.
As in many countries, gender-based violence is a persistent and tragic reality in Syria, manifesting itself in the form of physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, exacerbated by the compounding impacts of the long-running crisis, displacement and economic deterioration. Women and girls in Syria also face movement restrictions and are often excluded from employment opportunities and access to critical assistance.
The UN has spearheaded the efforts to address GBV across Syria. These efforts need to continue and increase, towards providing life-saving services to GBV survivors; addressing root causes of GBV, meaningfully investing in eliminating harmful gender norms and ensuring that the rights and well-being of women and girls are protected.
Syria has been in a continuous downward socio-economic slide, driving more people deeper into poverty and exhausting people’s coping mechanisms. The recent wave of hostilities and violence in parts of the country, the worst Syria has seen in years, has claimed multiple lives of women and children, displaced thousands of people and put an additional strain on the plight of vulnerable communities.
Addressing the GBV crisis is a shared responsibility – including by public institutions, civil society, communities and their leaders, humanitarian actors in Syria and the international community. The UN is committed to continue working with all stakeholders to eradicate GBV in Syria, address its root causes and protect its survivors. We count on our local partners, donors and the international community to support us in achieving these imperatives.
For further information:
Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson, OCHA Syria, Damascus, cherevko@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
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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