Attachments
IOM Vision
Building on IOM's expertise in providing life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable, and recognizing the dynamic context within Syria, IOM will address humanitarian and recovery needs and support efforts towards addressing protracted and sudden-onset displacement. In providing assistance to those most in need, IOM incorporates a humanitarian-development-peace nexus (HDPN) approach across its interventions and is committed to tailoring programming in line with the context using a participatory approach and continues to build partnerships with key local stakeholders to ensure that humanitarian interventions are sustainable and work towards conflict prevention and peacebuilding. IOM's HDPN approach includes a focus on enhancing accountability to affected populations (AAP).
Context analysis
The Syrian Arab Republic has endured a protracted and devastating crisis for over a decade, making it one of the most complex humanitarian emergencies globally. A comprehensive context analysis is essential for the development of an effective Crisis Response Plan, given the multifaceted challenges and evolving dynamics in the region.
Conflict and Displacement: The Syrian conflict, now in its thirteenth year, has resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life. Over 6.7 million Syrians are internally displaced, with 2.8 million in the northwest region alone, living in dire conditions. Access to essentials like safe water, food, medicine, healthcare, and livelihoods is limited, particularly in northwest Syria. The humanitarian situation is expected to deteriorate further in 2024, with threats to access and a stalled political resolution (HNO 2023).
Climate Change and Disasters: According to INFORM 2023, Syria is the ninth most at-risk country when it comes to the impact of natural hazards. The country is prone to a range of hazard types, including floods and drought. The conflict has led to significant environmental degradation and contamination of water sources. On 6 February 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria. At least 8,476 people died and over 14,500 were injured in Syria. An estimated 5.37 million people across Syria may have been made homeless, while 10.9 million people, nearly half of Syria's population, were affected. More than 123 residential areas, villages, towns and cities were badly damaged. Many power plants, water facilities, hospitals and public infrastructure also sustained damage. At least 453 schools were damaged. A total of 10,600 buildings had partially or fully collapsed, while thousands of others were damaged in the country (OCHA).
Refugee Crisis: The crisis has also spilled over borders, with millions of Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries. Türkiye hosts the largest number, with 3.65 million refugees, followed by Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. Approximately 95 per cent of refugees live within host communities, straining resources, and services (UNHCR 2023). Political and socioeconomic conditions in these host nations are precarious, and competition for limited resources raises tensions. The Eighth Regional Survey on Syrian Refugees' Perceptions & Intentions on Return to Syria published in May 2023 concluded that Syrian refugees' intention to return in the next 12 months remains low and has decreased slightly compared to last year's survey. Respondents cited a lack of safety and security, lack of livelihood/work opportunities, inadequate basic services and lack of adequate housing in Syria as the key factors influencing their decision-making about return. As of September 2023, a total of 27,972 refugees had returned to Syria with a monthly return average of 3,499.
Vulnerable Populations: Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, persons with disabilities, youth and the elderly constitute a significant portion of those in need. They face heightened protection risks, including gender-based violence, child labour, and early or forced marriages. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, increasing the vulnerability of affected populations.
Humanitarian Access: Humanitarian access remains a critical concern. Aid delivery is hampered by security risks, bureaucratic obstacles, and limitations on cross-border assistance. The precarious nature of humanitarian access threatens the delivery of life-saving aid to those most in need.
Economic Collapse: The Syrian economy has crumbled, with a sharp devaluation of the currency, hyperinflation, and widespread unemployment. Livelihoods have been severely disrupted, with limited income opportunities. Access to basic services such as healthcare and education has also declined.
Crisis Coping Mechanisms: With livelihoods disrupted, households resort to high-risk coping strategies, including child marriages, labour exploitation, and hazardous work. These practices further expose individuals, especially women and children, to violence and abuse.