A massive scaling up of humanitarian response is required in Syria to address the dire humanitarian situation which sees more than 90 per cent of the population in deep poverty, according to Irish NGO Trócaire.
Over nearly 14 years, the Syrian people have endured unimaginable horrors, including crimes against humanity and war crimes systematically perpetrated by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The conflict has claimed over 580,000 lives, displaced nearly 13 million people, and left the country’s economy and infrastructure in ruins. The fall of the regime presents an unprecedented opportunity for much needed respite and a peaceful transition to peace, security and stability as well as justice for all those who have been so cruelly wronged.
Developments over the past few weeks have displaced a further 1 million people while many more remain on the move including refugees returning from countries across the region. The situation remains unpredictable and fluid. These events have compounded existing needs and underscore the urgency of addressing Syria’s dire humanitarian situation. Disruptions to essential services such as water and electricity in major cities further exacerbate the challenges for millions already in need.
Trócaire’s CEO Caoimhe de Barra said, “The humanitarian response, operating under immense strain, urgently requires collective scaling up to address immediate needs and support early recovery. With nearly 17 million people in need as the worst of winter approaches and only 31% of the 2024 Syria Humanitarian Response Plan funded, we call on donors to urgently address this funding shortfall. We urge countries hosting Syrian refugees and asylum seekers to recognise their need for continued protection and solidarity at this time of great uncertainty.
“We call for unimpeded access to people in need across all regions of Syria. The safety and security of the civilian population in accessing aid as well as the protection of humanitarian workers must be respected. Furthermore, streamlined procedures, such as reduced registration requirements and eased visa processes for NGOs, are crucial to enabling an effective response.
“Local NGOs, including women-led organisations, have been at the forefront of humanitarian response in Syria for over a decade. Trócaire emphasises the central role of Syrian civil society in leading and driving the humanitarian response – to do so they must have direct access to humanitarian funding . Protection of civilians, particularly through conflict-sensitive programming, must remain a core focus.
“Finally, we urge all stakeholders to enable and support an inclusive, Syrian-led dialogue on the country’s future, one that is response to the needs and rights of all its people. This moment to determine a new path for Syria, by Syrians, must not be lost.”
Amid these challenges, Trócaire continues to work with its local partners in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Damascus, and rural Damascus to deliver lifesaving assistance, focusing on food, shelter, protection services, and resilience-building initiatives particularly for women and girls.