Humanitarian Situation North-West Syria Overview

Priority Needs for Residents and Displaced

The Syrian conflict has been catastrophic and has caused a massive humanitarian crisis. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (U.N.H.C.R), nearly five million people have fled their homes, while an additional 6.6 million are internally displaced. This means that over half of Syria’s pre-war population has been displaced.

As UNICEF reported, the North-West Syrian region is home to 2.5 million people whose majority live in extreme poverty. The needs of the people in this area are immense and require quick responses to save lives and meet their essential needs.

The most urgent needs for those displaced populations are related to…

• Food and Water.
• Shelter and Healthcare.

There is also the need to rebuild hospitals and other vital infrastructures like…

1. Roads.
2. Bridges. 
3. And Schools.

• Healthcare

According to UNICEF’s latest reports, the health system in North-West Syria is crashing. Bombings have severely damaged the healthcare infrastructure, so there are not enough qualified doctors or medical support materials on the ground.

As the armed conflict continued, leaving large parts of Syria in the rubble, therefore; the health care system was depleted. 

The war has affected the entire region of Syria. However, the country North-West was the worst hit. (90%) of hospitals destroyed, damaged, or occupied. In total, around 20 million Syrians require humanitarian assistance. 

• Winterization

Winter is never easy on those living in camps, although many national and international organizations are doing their best to provide the essential needs every winter. It is never enough. 

Funding for the overall humanitarian response remains low, with the humanitarian response plan remaining only 52% funded. 

Many civil community organizations, such as Bonyan Organization and other local organizations, are working hard to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, assisting for the winter response operation to be implemented with safe, unimpeded, and sustained access to all in need.

Winterization campaigns aim to provide;

1. Winter clothes.
2. Blankets and Mattresses.
3. Heaters and Stoves.
4. Heating fuel.
5. Carpets and Plastic Sheeting. 

• Food

As the war continues in Syria, families across the country are facing unprecedented levels of poverty and food insecurity. 

Almost 60% of the country is now food insecure, and more than a million Syrians cannot survive without food aid. 

The World Food Program estimates that 12.4 million Syrians are currently food insecure. This is an increase of 4.5 million in the last year alone and the highest number ever recorded. 

The crisis has many causes, such as;

• Years of brutal ongoing war and displacement.
• Soaring food prices.
• The country’s economic collapse and the depreciation of its currency. 
• WASH

Million people in Syria still live in lack access to the essential services of water, sanitation, and hygiene.  The water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector in Syria is still recovering from the impacts of the brutal Syrian war. The North-West regions are more affected, and the population living up North is facing severe health conditions due to the lack of WASH. 

Although; many local charities and national organizations are focusing a big part of their donations on covering as much as they can to maintain a healthy level of water, sanitation, and hygiene, the outcome still comes in shortage. Nevertheless, we cannot say it is not improving, even a little.  

• Livelihoods

To have a stable future, we need to ensure that Syrians get the skills to lead a sustainable livelihood. However, one of the most significant issues we’re facing as supporting parties is that people are losing hope for a better tomorrow. They are getting frustrated with the lack of opportunities they have.

Therefore, as supporting charities and organizations, we need to give Syrians a way forward by helping them with job training and education programs to rebuild the country, especially in areas hardest hit by the conflict.

Economic Conditions

The economic situation in Syria is a sensitive topic. The war has caused a lot of damage to the infrastructure, and many businesses have left the country and many citizens. The Economic Conditions in Syria in 2022 will be hard to predict because it depends on how much time it takes for stability and peace to return.

During these 11 years of war, Syria’s economy, agriculture, education, and healthcare systems have all been devastated.

The country’s national currency, the Syrian pound (SYP), has depreciated remarkably due to economic sanctions. The middle class has shrunk to just 25% of society, compared to 40% before 2011. And the inflation rate arrived at 60%.

Living Conditions 

The Syrian Civil War has led to the all-out destruction of living conditions and a complete overthrow of families.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 4 million people in Syria require urgent healthcare assistance. The organization estimates that by 2022, the country will need more than 17 million dollars in long-term aid.

Security and Protection

Syria has seen a lot of changes that have impacted its security and protection. Syria’s future does not look bright in the context of international politics. Due to several terrorist organizations, Syria has been embroiled in war for 11 years. This war has cost the country its economic stability and turned it into a weak state, lacking protection, security, and stability.