Attachments
As of 24 October, some 6,600 individuals have reportedly arrived from Lebanon to north-west Syria following the escalation of hostilities.
Situation Overview
Since the escalation of hostilities on 23 September, north-west Syria has experienced a relatively small but steady arrival of Syrians fleeing the conflict in Lebanon.
Based on key informant interviews conducted by members of the IDP Task Force(1) , an estimated 6,600 Syrians fleeing the conflict in Lebanon have arrived in north-west Syria (NWS) as of 24 October. The majority have arrived in communities in Jarablus, Idleb, Sharan, Maaret Tamsrin, Ariha, and Jisr-AshShugur sub-districts. The exercise was the first comprehensive tracking of the arrival of Syrians from Lebanon into NWS and provides a baseline for quantifying the number of Syrians who have fled Lebanon and arrived in NWS since 23 September.
According to recent data, local authorities in northern Aleppo admitted 553 individuals (approximately 140 households), through the Aoun al-Dadat internal crossing point from 17-24 October. This brings the total number of individuals crossing through Aoun al-Dadat since 4 October to 4,030, roughly 823 households. It is estimated that about 70 per cent of arrivals are Syrians fleeing the conflict in Lebanon. The remaining 30 per cent come from other parts of Syria, primarily for visitation purposes.
Response
- Local authorities have granted humanitarian partners access to the ‘zero point’, enabling partners such as ATAA, Hathi Hayati, IDA, Ihsan RD, IYD, Shafak, SRD, Syria Relief and Development, UOSSM, Violet, WATAN, and the White Helmets to provide critical assistance to those waiting to enter. Assistance includes emergency health care, WASH (mobile latrines, water trucking, and water tanks), food (RTEs, bread, dates), temporary shelter, and protection services, including psychological first aid.
- UNHCR has enhanced temporary accommodations at the ‘zero point’ by setting up four additional shading areas to complement the existing two. One of the new areas is currently being insulated to provide shelter, while the other three are serving as hubs for service provision.
- UNFPA has made available around 2,000 dignity kits for distribution by partners as needed. UNICEF has also provided high energy biscuits and hygiene kits for distribution.
- On 23 October, local authorities announced the opening of the Abu Zendin internal crossing point near Al-Bab to facilitate ‘safe and organized’ entry of Syrians fleeing Lebanon into northwest Syria. In coordination with partners, UNHCR is evaluating resources and capacities to inform its response strategy for potential arrivals through Abu Zendin.
- The movement of people fleeing the conflict in Lebanon remains a protection crisis, with individuals desperately seeking security and safety. UNHCR’s protection monitoring of a sample of households indicates that more than half of households arriving from Lebanon are headed by women, with an average size of five individuals. Over 80% of the households consist of women and children. Notably, around two-third of these households had previously resided in northwest Syria prior to fleeing the country, but only 30% are returning to their original sub-districts of residence. Approximately 85% of the households are hosted by relatives, while the remainder are either in their own homes or rent. Shelter arrangements vary with 44% staying in houses or apartments and 38% in tents. The most vulnerable households are in urgent need of livelihood support, core-relief items, housing, psychosocial support, food, and medical care.
(1) The IDP Task Force consists of ACU (Assistance Coordination Unit), Al Ameen for Humanitarian Support, the CCCM Cluster, REACH, OCHA, and UNHCR.