Humanitarian Update Syrian Arab Republic - Issue 20 / January 2024 [EN/AR]

Humanitarian needs in Syria continue to rise. Escalating violence, destruction of civilian infrastructure and a further decline of basic services have led to additional displacement and suffering. The socioeconomic situation has continued to deteriorate, further exacerbated by the February earthquakes, negatively impacting social cohesion, and amplifying vulnerabilities. The effects of economic deterioration and lack of livelihood opportunities further expose women and girls to the risk of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and other forms of gender-based violence in the effort to access food and job opportunities. In 2024, 16.7 million people require some form of humanitarian assistance or protection, the largest number since the beginning of the crisis in 2011.

Despite challenges, the UN and partners are committed to helping the people of Syria and are working tirelessly to provide humanitarian support to those who need it most.

SYRIA HUMANITARIAN FUND (SHF) UPDATE

Despite challenges, the SHF continued to mobilize and channel resources to humanitarian partners to rapidly address the most critical emergency response needs for the millions of people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Um Aziz, a mother of three boys in rural Hama, cradled a flicker of hope amidst the devastation left by the earthquake. Her home, once a haven for her family, was now damaged and unsafe. Evacuation orders forced them to seek temporary shelter, a constant weight of uncertainty pressing down on them. But Um Aziz refused to give in to despair. Every day, she searched for a solution, a way to rebuild their lives.

Suddenly, her life changed. An international non-governmental organization, GOPA, with the support of SHF, reached out with life-changing news. “It was like a second chance in life,” Um Aziz smiling. Their house was chosen for rehabilitation. "I couldn't believe it when they first told me,” she added. The prospect of returning to a safe home, a place where her sons could once again feel happy, filled her with a joy that transcended words. The weight lifted, replaced by the promise of a future rebuilt, brick by hopeful brick.

Winter brought a new set of challenges to the people in Syria. With fuel and electricity in short supply, many had no means to keep warm. In response to the non-food items (NFI) and health acute winter needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate, the SHF is processing six cost extensions to cover three ongoing Shelter/NFI projects implemented by UNHCR, an international and a local non-governmental organization (NGO) and three health projects implemented by UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO.

In coordination with sector and sub-sector coordinators, the SHF organized an online training for partners on quality programming focusing on promoting the centrality of protection, including persons with disabilities, addressing gender equality, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, and strengthening accountability to affected populations and cash programming. Sixty participants attended the training with positive feedback received.