More than 15 million Syrians in need of humanitarian aid

More than 15 million people in Syria, almost 70 percent of the population, are in need of humanitarian aid. For the first time since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, people in all districts of the country are experiencing some form of “humanitarian stress,” according to the United Nations (UN) humanitarian aid agency, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is the part of the UN Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.

In its briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation, the organization notes that the humanitarian crisis in Syria must remain a global priority, stating: “After twelve years of conflict, the vast majority of the Syrian population continues to face daily challenges to meet the most basic food, health, wash and shelter needs.” The OCHA adds that some 12 million people are currently food insecure and another 2.9 million are at risk of hunger. Only 10 percent of the UN’s appeal to raise more than 5 billion euros to help more than 14 million people in Syria has been met. The UN’s World Food Programme warns that without additional funding, 2.5 million Syrians risk being left without food or cash assistance from July.

The situation was worsened by the earthquake in February this year, which severely affected the northwest of the country. The office warns that as the water crisis continues, the risk of cholera and other water-borne diseases lurks as the hot season approaches. According to the statement, Syrians need the support of the international community now more than at any time in the past 12 years: “I reiterate: more people are in need of aid in Syria than at any other time in the conflict. Yet, we are witnessing dangerously dwindling resources for the humanitarian response.”

Ghasa Eltahir Mudawi, the Deputy Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division for OCHA, is concerned about the recent closure of the border crossings between Iraq and Syria and its potential impact on the vulnerabilities in north-east Syria. Mudawi calls on all parties to allow and facilitate the passage of humanitarian relief to civilians in need. UN Secretary-General António Guterres earlier called for a 12-month extension of the UN mandate in Syria, which expires in July. However, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia responded that humanitarian aid “no longer serves any purpose” and that Russia “sees no reason to extend.” The briefing concludes with a call to ensure that the urgent needs of Syria’s women, men and children are prioritized and resourced.