North-West Syria: Situation Report (13 September 2023) [EN/AR]

FLASH UPDATE

First radiotherapy machine arrived in north-west Syria

• The first radiotherapy machine for cancer treatment arrived in north-west Syria over the weekend, following joint advocacy efforts led by the UN and health partners, notably under WHO/Health Cluster, and support from the Government of Türkiye.

• This is a monumental step for cancer treatment in north-west Syria. Radiotherapy sessions are not available in local health facilities rendering Syrian cancer patients dependent on a cross-border referral mechanism to Türkiye which was temporarily disrupted earlier this year due to the earthquakes.

• The radiotherapy machine is now sitting in the largest hospital in Afrin, supported by the NGO Al-Almeen, having crossed from Türkiye on 30 September. Health partners reported that the machine can provide 42 radiotherapy sessions on average per day.

• Adjustments are currently being made in the hospital to meet the operational standards and safety requirements of a radiotherapy center – however, this could take more than three months to complete with a potential lag in winter. Once ready, the facility is expected to meet up to one-third of cancer patient needs in north-west Syria.

• Turkish health authorities are also providing resource and capacity support. As part of a one-year agreement, Turkish technicians and oncologists will operate the machine on-site while concurrently providing training to Syrian health workers to ensure the sustainability of the operation.

• Since the earthquakes struck, cancer cases have increased in north-west Syria. More support is needed to expand access to local cancer treatment services in north-west Syria including in the Idleb governorate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The UN conducted 32 cross-border missions to north-west Syria in the month of August. Since the earthquakes struck, over 200 UN cross-border missions have been completed.

• As of 31 August, 195 trucks with UN aid have crossed from Türkiye to north-west Syria since the expiration of SCR 2672. Services and aid distribution are ongoing on the ground.

• 90 to 100 Syrian cancer patients are crossing to Türkiye for treatment per week via the referral system. Efforts to install radiotherapy equipment in north-west Syria are ongoing.

• The humanitarian community is adapting the response in light of recent food cuts. A 40 per cent reduction in assistance could widen the gap of people reached to 2.8 million people.

• Active hostilities continue to be reported almost daily. In August, at least 12 civilians were killed in north-west Syria and 16 others injured, according to the OHCHR.

This Situation Report covers developments in north-west Syria and Ras Al Ain – Tell Abiad. OCHA Türkiye prepares this report with the support of Cluster Coordinators and the Humanitarian Field Officers (HFO). The data/information collected come from both sources.

FEATURE

NoMatterWhat: Humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality

The theme of this year's World Humanitarian Day (WHD), "No Matter What", reiterates the unwavering commitment of humanitarians to helping those in need of assistance. They do so in accordance with the principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.

Voices of Humanitarians

*"On World Humanitarian Day, my message to the world is to not forget north-west Syria - a region in pain with heartbreaking stories echoing in every household, street and tent." *- Myasar Knawi, Team Member of Shafak Organization, who lost 12 relatives to the earthquakes

In commemoration of this year's WHD, OCHA Türkiye has published a bulletin capturing the "Voices of Humanitarians" on 19 August.

The document offers a glimpse into the humanitarian community serving north-west Syria, including those based in Türkiye supporting the cross-border operation. The bulletin also pays tribute to the aid workers who lost their lives to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria in February.

The release of the bulletin was followed by an in-person WHD event held on 22 August in north-west Syria. The event brought together humanitarians from all walks of life including those from national and international NGOs, the Turkish Red Crescent and the UN, including a delegation headed by David Carden, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis (DRHC). The event was organized by the Independent Doctors Association (IDA) and hosted in the largest hospital in northern Aleppo.

Background: World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is celebrated annually on 19 August in honor of humanitarians around the world and their tireless efforts to serve communities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the bombing of the Canal Hotel and UN Headquarters in Baghdad that resulted in the death of 22 colleagues including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. The tragedy profoundly changed the way in which humanitarians operate -- from being respected to being targeted -- and led to the creation of WHD.

Twenty years later, aid workers continue to face dangers in complex crises where conflict, climate, political instability and natural hazards often overlap. The context of north-west Syria is no exception with communities enduring conflict, displacement and instability for more than 12 years on top of the devastating loss from the February earthquakes.