Attachments
Overview of Developments
Over 400,000 people have crossed into the Syrian borders fleeing the escalating hostilities in Lebanon, since 23 September.
This rising influx underscores the urgent humanitarian needs faced by those arriving in Syria with limited prospects. The majority of new arrivals –primarily women and children - struggle to meet their basic needs. Many are either residing at the locally-established hosting centres or are being hosted by the local communities.
• UNHCR through its partner SARC, monitored the return of some 38,000 persons across various governorates. Homs, Rural Damascus, and Ar-Raqqa have so far received the highest number of new arrivals, respectively.
• On 14 October, a UN team including OCHA, UNICEF, UNDP and WFP, and led by UNHCR, met with the Tartous Governor where they discussed contingency planning for the emergency response. The Governor noted that more people are expected in Tartous from Lebanon and emphasized the importance of rehabilitating shelters to accommodate displaced families. Support for families hosting new arrivals was also highlighted due to the dire socioeconomic conditions Syrians are already experiencing. The Governor agreed to provide a list of shelters needing rehabilitation as well as population data to aid in planning.
• In northeast Syria, UNHCR with WHO met with the Al-Hasakeh Governor who outlined the urgent needs for health facilities in both Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli. The Governor emphasized that core relief items and shelter support were identified as main needs for new arrivals. While there are no plans to establish hosting centres in Al-Hasakeh, the Governor highlighted that newly arrived Syrians and their hosting communities are severely strained and require comprehensive assistance.
• Since the influx began, UNHCR and its partners have been closely monitoring the situation of women and girls arriving from Lebanon to safeguard their wellbeing. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure that instances of gender-based violence are rapidly identified and responded to. UNHCR recognizes that females who recently crossed into Syria, particularly those with no male guardians, are at heightened risk and require specialized assistance.