Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria - June 2024
UNDP EMPOWERS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN RURAL SYRIA
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from Japan, has empowered 70 women in rural Quneitra achieving economic independence through the "Path to Empowerment" project. The project focused on giving women entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed: easier access to finances and markets, along with ensuring decent working conditions.
Fatima Babat is a shining example of the project's success. After receiving training and seed funding, she launched a crochet business. Fatima now dreams of empowering others by training girls and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and self-reliance among the women in her community.
UNFPA PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS FROM HARD-TO-REACH AREAS TAKING EXAMS
In cooperation with the Syria Al-Yamamah Foundation, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) deploys mobile clinics to several hosting centres in Ar-Raqqa to deliver essential health services to hundreds of female students and their caregivers.
These services are especially crucial given the challenging circumstances many students face. Souad, a resident of a Maadan hosting centre in Ar-Raqqa, northeastern Syria, describes her hard 10-hour journey involving seven different cars to reach her preparatory certificate exams.
Thankfully, upon arrival, Souad encountered UNFPA-supported medical team, who regularly visit hosting centres. She received the medical advice and medication she needed.
Souad's story reflects the plight of thousands of students in Syria forced to travel long distances under difficult conditions to pursue their education. UNFPA's commitment to health services, along with the distribution of over 500 personal hygiene kits, helps ensure these students can focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.
UNHCR MARKS WORLD REFUGEE DAY WITH A CALL FOR SOLIDARITY WITH REFUGEES
In north-east Syria, UNHCR hosted a celebration promoting solidarity, with over 200 people – refugees, internally displaced families and the local community – participating in fun activities like football and basketball matches including a friendly competition between the guests and UN agencies.
https://www.facebook.com/UNHCRinSYRIA/posts/861509789353217?ref=embed_post
UNICEF REHABILITATES CONFLICT-AFFECTED CLINICS TO INCREASE CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING SERVICES
With the support of UNICEF and the Government of Japan, vital healthcare services are back on track in Hama. The Al Daheriaya clinic, previously damaged, has been fully rehabilitated, restoring its functionality and significantly improving the quality of care available to the community.
"The rehabilitation transformed the centre into a functional and welcoming space for both families and health workers," Dr. Amina, Head of Al Daheriaya clinic explained.
Since the beginning of 2023, UNICEF has spearheaded the rehabilitation of 58 health and nutrition centres across Syria. With an additional 39 clinics currently undergoing improvements, UNICEF's work will ultimately provide over 580,000 people with access to essential health and nutrition services.
UNMAS HELD THE FIRST HUMANITARIAN EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL COURSE IN SYRIA
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has successfully delivered the first Humanitarian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Course in Syria. This milestone marks a vital step towards building national capacity to tackle explosive hazards and ensure safer environments for both aid workers and local communities.
Over five weeks, participants underwent intensive training, both theoretical and practical. They mastered the skills needed to identify, assess and safely manage explosive threats, to prepare them to apply these skills in real life scenarios.
ILO signs agreement for new project to remove debris and rebuild affected areas
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has signed an agreement for a new initiative focused on vulnerable communities. The project aims to create immediately decent jobs while simultaneously restoring infrastructure in affected neighborhoods. This will involve the safe removal of debris and rehabilitation of sidewalks to create safe walking paths for children and families. The project will create 140 new jobs, with a focus on empowering women and people with disabilities.
SYRIA HUMANITARIAN FUND SUPPORTS STUDENTS FROM REMOTE AREAS DURING THE EXAMS IN SYRIA
Every year, students from hard-to-reach areas in Syria face a significant challenge: traveling long distances to take their national exams in hot weather and amid access constraints.
As part of a coordinated response, the Syrian Humanitarian Fund (SHF) with UN agencies step in every year to identify and address the specific needs of these students. This support can include transportation assistance, shelter, NFI, education and cash assistance.
The SHF's support empowers these students by addressing their needs allowing them to prepare and pass the exams successfully.
https://x.com/OCHA_Syria/status/1801230301533741088
WHO PROVIDES CRUCIAL SUPPORT TO SYRIA'S NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM AS IT STRIVES TO ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE
The World Health Organization (WHO) joined forces with the Ministry of Health (MoH) for a one-day workshop focused on rebuilding Syria's healthcare system. The workshop brought together 45 participants, including MoH professionals, UN agencies, key stakeholders and health partners.
Their collaborative effort aimed to prioritize a national health agenda for recovery across three key objectives: meeting urgent humanitarian needs, working towards universal health coverage and strengthening resilience and preparedness.
This workshop, supported by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean's Universal Health Coverage team, signifies a critical step towards a stronger and more accessible healthcare system for all people in Syria.
