Syrian Arab Republic: Humanitarian Response Priorities - January to June 2025 (March 2025)

At a Glance

Syria entered a new era in 2025, but the humanitarian crisis is far from over. Continuous hostilities in the northern and southern parts of the country, and recently in the coastal area, continue to trigger additional needs among the population, including displacement and protection concerns, as well as hindering humanitarian operations and access. Across the country, incidents involving unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive remnants of war have become a daily reality. Economic hardships persist across governorates due to liquidity shortages limiting access to cash, which in turn presents challenges for the population as well as for humanitarian actors. Scarce electricity, cash, and public service provision amidst price fluctuations further strain livelihoods and aid delivery. In addition, the United States Executive Order suspending humanitarian activities in January 2025 has severely impacted organizations and sectors in north-east Syria, particularly in informal settlements and camps for internally displaced persons. This disruption has left significant gaps in coordination and information management (IM).

At the end of 2024, the Strategic Steering Group (SSG) in Syria agreed to extend the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for an additional three months, covering programming requirements from 1 January to 31 March 2025. This decision was made in light of the change of authorities on 8 December 2024, and the rapidly shifting conditions on the ground.

In February, the SSG assessed the situation to determine the nature and scope of humanitarian programming for the rest of 2025. A Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) is planned to be conducted in June, once more clarity is available on return movements and needs.

Consequently, the SSG agreed to extend the current document for an additional three months. This aligns with the timeline to complete the transition to a new unified Damascus-based structure, which will lead planning for the second half of 2025 and for the 2026 Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC).

The Syria Humanitarian Response Plan 2024 remains severely underfunded, with only 35.6 per cent of the $4.1 billion United States Dollars ($) total requirements covered as of mid-March 2025. In addition, the Humanitarian Response Priorities document covering January to March 2025 is only 11.7 per cent funded, leaving 88.9 per cent of funding requirements unmet as of mid-March 2025.

From 1 January to 30 June 2025, the UN and humanitarian partners appeal for $1.97 billion to cover activities prioritized to respond to the most immediate needs of 8 million people targeted countrywide. Target and requirement figures in this document reflect the January-June 2025 timeframe of this extension.

It is imperative that in 2025, at this pivotal moment in Syria’s history, the international community responds effectively to the needs of the Syrian people by increasing financial support. Despite stretched funding, the UN and humanitarian partners are committed to continuing to deliver humanitarian aid, seizing opportunities while remaining vigilant in the face of challenges and their impacts on people’s needs.