Attachments
The Syria crisis entered its thirteenth year in March 2023. The UN estimates that 15.3 million people need humanitarian assistance across the country - a 5 per cent increase from 2022.
The security situation in parts of the country remains unpredictable, and the economic situation is increasingly dire. Economic deterioration is a major driver of needs.
UNHCR continues to provide protection and assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, returnees, stateless people, and host communities based on identified needs and vulnerabilities.
Operational Context
The 2023 Syria Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) estimates that over 15.3 million people need humanitarian assistance in Syria. This is the highest number of people in need since the beginning of the crisis. Syria also has the largest number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the world (6.8 million). The 2023 HNO states that humanitarian and economic indicators in the country continue to deteriorate, and many basic services have collapsed. The February earthquakes have further compounded existing needs in a country that has experienced more than 12 years of crisis.
UNHCR supports refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, host community members, and returnees (refugees and IDPs who have returned to their home areas) by providing assistance to those most in need using a community-based and area-based approach. UNHCR’s community-based approach focuses on community mobilization and building self-reliance. It aims to reduce vulnerabilities and protection risks by providing services through community-based structures and networks. UNHCR’s area-based approach entails working with partners to enhance support in geographic areas where the needs are greatest.
In 2023, UNHCR is working with 29 partners including international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and national NGOs.