ReliefWeb

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Eastern Ghouta is an agricultural region east of Damascus that is home to approximately 400,000 people. The area has faced access restrictions since the beginning of the Syrian conflict and was classified by the United Nations (UN) as besieged in 2013. This Situation Overview builds upon findings from REACH in October and November and is based off data collected remotely. It aims to monitor the humanitarian situation in Eastern Ghouta, which deteriorated significantly beginning in September 2017 and saw only slight improvements in December.

Key findings:

• For the first time since area was classified as besieged in 2013, medical evacuations were permitted in December, but 16 people, including infants and children, have reportedly died while waiting to be evacuated (UNICEF). Meanwhile, oral vaccinations leftover from the aid delivery to Harasta in September were administered to children across Eastern Ghouta by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC).

• Food availability increased and prices decreased after the sole trader whose vehicles were permitted to enter the area regained authorisation to do business. However, a 2,000 SYP fee was charged for each kilogram of goods that entered, and the trade authorisation was rescinded again on 26 December.

• Schools re-opened in December after having been closed in November due to conflict.

• No humanitarian assistance entered in December.

• Infant deaths due to a lack of food continued to be reported for the third consecutive month, and the strategy of going days without eating has reportedly been in use since November.

• Acute shortages of medical items persisted, and only critical cases have reportedly been able to obtain medicine in order to conserve dwindling medical supplies.

• The situation is expected to deteriorate rapidly in January if unhindered humanitarian and commercial access is not granted and maintained, and if conflict continues.