Syria: UN Scales Up Aid Deliveries as Regional Fighting Continues
Geneva/Damascus – 2025-02-26, 12:00 GMT – The United Nations announced today a significant increase in its humanitarian aid operations within Syria, driven by a worsening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by escalating regional conflicts. The decision comes as fighting intensifies in several key areas, further displacing civilians and hindering access to essential resources.
For over a decade, Syria has been grappling with a devastating civil war, resulting in widespread destruction, displacement, and profound human suffering. While pockets of relative stability have emerged, the recent resurgence of clashes along the Turkish border, coupled with heightened tensions between various armed groups in the northwest and northeast of the country, has triggered a new wave of displacement and instability.
“The situation in Syria remains dire. Years of conflict have decimated infrastructure, crippled the economy, and left millions vulnerable,” stated Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, in a press briefing earlier today. “The renewed fighting we are witnessing is pushing even more people to the brink. We are compelled to act, and act swiftly, to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.”
The UN’s increased aid efforts will focus on several key areas:
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Emergency Food Assistance: The World Food Programme (WFP) is coordinating the distribution of emergency food rations to displaced families in camps and informal settlements. The priority is to reach the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and pregnant and lactating women. The WFP is reporting significant challenges in reaching communities in the Idlib region due to ongoing airstrikes and road closures.
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Shelter and Non-Food Items: The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is providing emergency shelter materials, blankets, winter clothing, and other essential non-food items to those displaced by the recent fighting. Many families have been forced to flee their homes with nothing, leaving them exposed to the harsh winter conditions. UNHCR is working with local partners to upgrade existing shelters and establish new camps where necessary.
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Health Services: The World Health Organization (WHO) is scaling up its support to health facilities across Syria, providing medical supplies, equipment, and training to healthcare workers. The focus is on providing emergency care to those injured in the fighting, as well as addressing the increasing incidence of preventable diseases due to poor sanitation and living conditions. The ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities, documented by Physicians for Human Rights, continue to be a major concern.
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Water and Sanitation: UNICEF is working to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities in affected areas, aiming to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. The organization is repairing damaged water infrastructure, distributing water purification tablets, and promoting hygiene practices.
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Protection Activities: The UN is also working to protect vulnerable populations, including children, women, and people with disabilities, from violence, exploitation, and abuse. This includes providing psychosocial support, legal assistance, and specialized services for survivors of gender-based violence.
Challenges and Concerns:
Despite the increased efforts, humanitarian organizations face numerous challenges in delivering aid to those in need.
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Access Constraints: Ongoing fighting, insecurity, and bureaucratic hurdles continue to hinder access to many areas of Syria, particularly those under the control of armed groups. The UN is calling on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and allow unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.
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Funding Shortfalls: The humanitarian response in Syria remains severely underfunded. The UN is appealing to donors to increase their contributions to ensure that the needs of the Syrian people are met. The recent redirection of international aid towards other global crises has further exacerbated the funding gap.
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Security Risks: Humanitarian workers face significant security risks, including the threat of attacks, kidnappings, and arbitrary detention. The UN is taking all possible measures to protect its staff and ensure the safe delivery of aid.
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Regional Instability: The escalating regional tensions are compounding the humanitarian crisis in Syria, making it more difficult to address the underlying causes of the conflict and find a lasting solution. The ongoing proxy wars and external interference continue to fuel the violence and instability.
Call for a Political Solution:
The UN reiterates its call for a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian conflict, based on the principles of international law and the aspirations of the Syrian people. A sustainable ceasefire, inclusive political dialogue, and respect for human rights are essential to ending the suffering and building a peaceful and prosperous future for Syria.
“Humanitarian aid can provide immediate relief, but it cannot solve the underlying problems,” emphasized Mohammed. “Only a political solution can bring lasting peace and stability to Syria. We urge all parties to the conflict to engage in good faith in the UN-led political process and work towards a future where all Syrians can live in dignity and security.”
The situation in Syria remains incredibly fluid. Further updates will be provided as the humanitarian response evolves and new information becomes available.
Syria: UN scales up aid deliveries as regional fighting continues
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