Syria: UN Scales Up Aid Deliveries as Regional Fighting Continues
Geneva, Switzerland – February 26, 2025, 12:00 GMT – The United Nations announced today a significant increase in its humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria, as escalating conflict in several regions exacerbates the already dire situation for millions. The move comes amid reports of intensified fighting between government forces, opposition groups, and various extremist factions, particularly in the northwest and northeast of the country.
“The situation in Syria remains incredibly precarious, with civilians bearing the brunt of ongoing hostilities,” stated UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths in a press briefing. “We are witnessing a resurgence of violence that is displacing communities and further hindering access to essential services. This scaled-up response is crucial to providing life-saving assistance to those in need.”
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis:
Over a decade of conflict has left Syria in ruins, with an estimated 13.4 million people requiring humanitarian assistance, according to the UN. The conflict has internally displaced over 6.8 million Syrians, many of whom are living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The situation is further compounded by a severe economic crisis, rampant inflation, and the lingering effects of the devastating 2023 earthquake that claimed thousands of lives and crippled infrastructure.
The recent upsurge in fighting is causing significant disruption to aid operations. Several humanitarian workers have reported being denied access to conflict zones, hindering efforts to deliver much-needed supplies. There have also been reports of aid convoys coming under fire, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.
Increased Aid Deliveries:
The UN’s scaled-up response will focus on providing critical assistance in several key areas, including:
- Food security: Addressing widespread hunger and malnutrition through the provision of food rations, nutritional supplements, and support for agricultural activities. The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) is leading the effort to distribute food to vulnerable populations across the country.
- Shelter and non-food items: Providing emergency shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to displaced families who have lost their homes. The UNHCR is working with local partners to establish temporary shelters and ensure adequate living conditions for displaced populations.
- Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare services and ensuring access to medical care for those affected by the conflict. The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing medical supplies, training healthcare workers, and supporting the rehabilitation of damaged health facilities.
- Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH): Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of disease. UNICEF is working to rehabilitate water infrastructure and promote hygiene practices among vulnerable communities.
- Protection: Providing protection services to vulnerable groups, including women, children, and people with disabilities, who are at increased risk of violence and exploitation. This includes psychosocial support, legal assistance, and measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Challenges and Concerns:
Despite the increased efforts, the UN acknowledges that significant challenges remain. Securing safe and unimpeded access to all areas of the country is paramount. Continued negotiations with all parties to the conflict are crucial to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.
“We urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and allow for the safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid,” Griffiths emphasized. “The lives of millions of Syrians depend on it.”
Funding remains a major constraint. The UN’s humanitarian appeal for Syria is significantly underfunded, hindering efforts to scale up the response and meet the growing needs. The UN is appealing to international donors to increase their contributions and help avert a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
Looking Ahead:
The UN stressed that humanitarian aid alone is not a solution to the Syrian crisis. A lasting political solution is urgently needed to end the conflict and pave the way for a sustainable recovery. The UN continues to support efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic channels.
The situation in Syria remains extremely volatile, and the UN is closely monitoring developments on the ground. The organization is committed to staying and delivering assistance to the Syrian people, but it needs the full support of the international community to do so effectively. The coming months will be critical in determining the fate of millions of Syrians who have already endured years of suffering.
Syria: UN scales up aid deliveries as regional fighting continues
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