Crisis Description

• Recent trends: The security situation deteriorates as conflict has spread across large parts of the country, including to heavily populated areas. Growing numbers of people are displaced both internally and across borders. The number of Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries and North Africa continues to rise, reaching over 390,000. As winter approaches, vulnerabilities of affected people are likely to increase.
• Impact: The violence has led to the killing of thousands of men, women and children, including some deliberately targeted. Countless homes, clinics, hospitals and other essential services and infrastructure such as water and sanitation networks have been destroyed or severely damaged. Largescale displacement is resulting in over-crowded shelters. Host communities’ capacity to support is overstretched.
• Violence makes it difficult for people to have access to safe water, food and health care.
  Response: Despite the increasing insecurity, humanitarian assistance continues to reach more people every month. The United Nations is enhancing partnerships with local nongovernmental and community based organizations in order to access all conflict affected areas.