Background
The Syrian conflict remains a complex humanitarian protection emergency where systematic violations of international human rights laws have led to immense civilian suffering, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, explosive ordinance contamination, and the largest number of internally displaced people in the world. In fact, the ongoing crisis has been described as one of the worst man-made disasters the world has seen since World War II. More than half of the population, which accounts to around 21 million people, have been displaced by the conflict. 5.5 million people have immigrated to other countries while 6.5 million have been internally displaced. Recently, the accelerating economic deterioration and the impacts of earthquake have emerged as significant drivers of humanitarian needs, compounding vulnerabilities. Macro-economic conditions continued to deteriorate significantly, driven by hyperinflation, currency depreciation, soaring prices, reduced fiscal revenue, increasing domestic debt and widespread loss of livelihoods. Rising prices have spiked food insecurity hence, 3.6 million people face food shortages in the country.
Besides, several factors, such as international economic sanctions, Lebanon's financial collapse, prolonged conflict and shortages of water and fuel, have severely worsened Syria's socio-economic situation. This economic crisis has accelerated the decline in humanitarian conditions across the country. By June 2023, over 90% of Syrians were living below the poverty line. An estimated 15.3 million people out of a total population of 21.7 million required humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the devastating earthquakes in February 2023 caused extensive infrastructure damage, including to schools, and led to significant displacement. Public services such as healthcare and education have severely weakened as a result of damaged infrastructure and human capital. These factors have plunged additional segments of the population into humanitarian need, particularly in areas historically less affected by hostilities and displacement.