(Damascus, 12 June 2013) The United Nations is concerned about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Rural Damascus where several locations are increasingly difficult to access. The UN estimates that there are over 1.2 million people in hard-to-reach areas in Rural Damascus in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Geneva, 7 June 2013

Excellencies,
Ministers,
High Commissioner Guterres,
Dr. Chan,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

When we last made an appeal for Syria, we hoped we would not have to do it again. But today, we are here to launch the biggest humanitarian appeal ever, for the people of Syria.

The events in Syria since March 2011 have resulted in significant humanitarian needs. Compared with the initial 2013 Syria Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan (SHARP), launched in December 2012, the crisis has further intensified and expanded into most parts of the country. Civilians across the country are bearing the brunt of the on-going violence with rising numbers of people killed, injured, displaced or otherwise affected in their living conditions.

The UN increased its 2013 humanitarian appeal for the Syrian crisis to US$4.4 billion. Finding ways to deliver aid to the 2.9 million people living across conflict lines is a top priority.

There may be as many as 1,500 wounded people in urgent need of immediate evacuation for emergency medical treatment. More than 10,000 have already fled to towns in the region.

HIGHLIGHTS

● In the West Bank, Palestinian injuries from Israeli security forces in 2013 twice as high as in 2012.
● Children as young as seven detained by Israeli forces in Hebron, according to international monitors.
● Restrictions on entry of materials delay WASH projects in Gaza.
● Thirty per cent increase in displacement from demolitions in 2013 in the West Bank.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mounting concerns that public health crisis may aggravate Syria humanitarian situation. 420,000 Palestine refugees unable to meet basic needs.
• UN inter-agency cross-line assistance to almost 1 million Syrians despite security and access challenges.
• Syrian refugee population up by nearly 1 million people since January.

Movement by internally displaced persons continues to be large-scale and fluid, as many Syrians are displaced multiple times. The estimated number of IDPs now stands at 4.25 million.