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Syria

Syria: Inter-Cluster Rapid Needs Assessment | Aleppo and Idleb - 14 Jan 2025

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Introduction

Coordinated in Northwest Syria by the Assessment and Analysis Working Group (NWS AAWG) and cochaired by UNOCHA, REACH and IRVD (Al-AMEEN), Rapid Needs Assessments (RNAs) constitute vital initiatives to address the immediate humanitarian needs arising from sudden crises and emergency situations. In late 2024, Syria experienced significant events that dramatically affected its humanitarian and political landscape. A series of events beginning in November culminated in the collapse of the government in Damascus on 8th December 2024, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s dynamics. While these changes have spurred hopes for stability in some quarters, they have also heightened uncertainty, with millions of people grappling with the fallout.

In response to these rapid changes, the AAWG launched an RNA in December 2024, which included the AAWG's 15 partners in the NWS. The assessment was launched to provide a swift and standardized overview of the situation, identifying the most urgent needs and informing the prioritization of humanitarian responses. By consolidating efforts into a single inter-agency tool, the RNA reduces redundancy, minimizes assessment fatigue, and fosters information sharing across stakeholders. Covering multiple sectors, as shown in the next infograph, this comprehensive rapid assessment was designed to maximize efficiency and impact in responding to crises.

The data for this assessment was collected between 8th and 14th December 2024, focusing on 38 sub-districts overseen by the cross-border response based in Gaziantep across the Aleppo and Idleb governorates (see map on the right). Data was collected through structured interviews with Key Informants (KI) at community level, either remotely or through in-person interviews. In every assessed community, one KI was asked to report on the situation and living conditions. Findings should therefore be considered loosely indicative of the situation.

The findings provide vital insights into the extent of damages, the needs of displaced populations, and the gaps in basic services and infrastructure.

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