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The armed conflict in southern Syria, escalating in July 2025, has displaced over 180,000 individuals, primarily from AsSweida Governorate into Dar’a, Rural Damascus, and surrounding areas. Displacement has been fluid, with families seeking refuge in collective shelters, schools, hotels, and host communities, many of which are not designed for longterm habitation. As the school year is approaching and conditions in some areas of origin are improving, the question of relocation as well as returns have started to emerge. Conditions in many hosting sites are reported to be poor, with limited access to humanitarian assistance, leading to protection risks and reports of tensions. At the same time, it should be recalled that the vast majority of the displaced are staying within the host community.
All humanitarian actors operating in southern Syria must mainstream protection principles across their activities to ensure that affected populations are treated with dignity, fairness, and accountability. As the displacement crisis evolves, coordination, ongoing risk analysis, and direct engagement with communities will be critical to minimizing harm and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Scope and Objective
Within this context, this note aims to provide an overview of core protection mainstreaming principles and key messages for all partners, regardless of sector. It provides actionable guidance, including on the provision of cash and in-kind assistance, to ensure protection principles are integrated into emergency service delivery, sensitive to current conflict dynamics, evolving needs, and operational challenges in southern Syria. The note also draws attention to emerging issues relevant to the Sweida Situation and related protection principles. It is intended for Protection Sector partners, authorities, site managers, and inter-sector actors working in the affected governorates.
This guidance applies to all displacement settings, including:
- Hosting Centers (e.g., schools, mosques, public buildings)
- Collective Shelters
- Informal shelters
- Host community settings (families sheltering IDPs)