BACKGROUND
A series of events beginning on 27 November culminated in the collapse of the government in Damascus on 8 December, marking a significant turning point in Syria. While many view this as a moment of hope for the country’s future, uncertainty persists about how the situation will evolve and its implications for millions of people.
The long-running crisis in Syria has had devastating consequences for the country and its people. Over the past 14 years, more than 13 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, and 90% of people inside Syria require some form of humanitarian assistance. The recent developments across Syria will impact millions of people’s lives both inside the country and within the region.(1)
The recent shift in power has led to some population returns, with people moving back to areas previously abandoned during the conflict. While these returns signal hope for stability in some regions, many returnees are returning to areas with limited infrastructure, disrupted services, and urgent humanitarian needs. Ensuring sustainable support for these populations remains a priority for humanitarian actors.
Nearly 14 years of conflict and economic crises have left 16.7 million people—almost two-thirds of the population—in need of assistance. Children account for 45% of those in need, meaning three in every four children in Syria require urgent support.(2) An estimated 12.9 million people are unable to meet their nutritional needs independently. Years of conflict have significantly weakened Syria’s economy, with severe constraints on agricultural production contributing to widespread food insecurity.(3)
Since 28 November, approximately one million people have been displaced internally, including 155,000 experiencing secondary displacement. Women and children account for the majority of those displaced, with women and girls comprising nearly 50% of the total.(4) The most affected governorates are Aleppo, with 542,600 displaced persons, and Hama, with 347,100 displaced. In Homs, 26,000 individuals have been displaced. These population movements include large-scale internal displacements, some returns to areas of origin, and limited movements out of Syria.(5)
The relatively calm security situation in north-west Syria has led to reports of returns. All 11 reception centers that have been opened in Idleb to host displaced families have emptied as of 9 December, due to people leaving. Six reception centers in northern Aleppo are still hosting dozens of families, mostly in Afrin. Since 3 December, over 4,200 people have departed from 1,100 camps and displacement sites, with the UN and its partners continuing to monitor movements.
Meanwhile, north-east Syria is continuing to witness new arrivals of displaced people. As of 10 December, 100,000 people have been displaced to the north-east due to fighting in Tel Refaat and Aleppo, according to authorities. Partners on the ground reported that reception centers in Tabqa and Ar-Raqqa have reached full capacity. At least 220 sites, including municipal buildings, schools, mosques, stadiums and residential buildings, are being used as collective centers to accommodate those newly displaced.
Returns of refugees have also been reported by UNHCR. There have been “minimal” movements across borders from Türkiye and Jordan, while “several thousand Syrians have reportedly crossed back into Syria from Lebanon through the Masnaa official border point.”
The post-conflict environment presents an opportunity to rebuild not just infrastructure but also fractured social fabrics. Community-driven peacebuilding initiatives can play a vital role in fostering trust and unity among returnees and those who remained in conflict-affected areas
As people continue to be on the move, humanitarian partners are raising the alarm about the high levels of contamination with explosive ordnance. At least 52 minefields have been identified across the country over the past 10 days, curtailing the movement of civilians and impeding the delivery of goods and services.(6)
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
The objective of this assessment is to provide SARD with up-to-date information on the severity of humanitarian conditions affecting populations in Aleppo, Idleb, and Hama in light of recent developments in Syria. The findings presented in this report aim to support the management and program teams in making well-informed decisions regarding household needs for assistance. Additionally, the results will guide the design of targeted activities and the development of a strategic implementation plan to address identified priorities effectively.
- https://reporting.unhcr.org/syrian-arab-republic-escalations-regional-flash-update-1
- https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/we-must-make-turning-point-children-syria
- https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syria-following-transfer-power-humanitarian-situation-remains-catastrophic
- https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/whole-syria-flash-update-no-3-recent-developments-syria-8-december-2024
- Ibid
- https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/whole-syria-flash-update-no-4-recent-developments-syria-10-december-2024