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During a briefing with journalists in New York via a video link from Damascus, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, shared insights on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. He noted that despite a glimmer of hope following the decline of the Assad regime, the overall situation remains dire and continues to deteriorate.
The threat posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war is particularly alarming, with reports indicating that over 600 casualties have occurred since December, including a distressing number of children, accounting for a third of the victims.
Efforts towards stability
Amid these challenges, there are glimmers of progress towards stability. Since December, approximately 1.2 million individuals have returned to their homes, comprising 885,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 302,000 refugees.
According to projections from the UNHCR, as many as 3.5 million refugees and IDPs might return this year, highlighting an urgent need for strategic investments in recovery and reintegration. However, obstacles such as the lack of essential services, security concerns, and missing legal documentation remain significant barriers.
Ongoing hostilities
Despite some positive developments, active conflict persists across northern, southern, and coastal regions of Syria, displacing thousands and complicating aid delivery. Recent escalations in coastal areas have resulted in hundreds of casualties and substantial damage to crucial infrastructure, including hospitals.
Mr. Abdelmoula emphasized the necessity for all parties involved to engage in de-escalation and adhere to international humanitarian law, stating, “To prevent further suffering, immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian aid is essential.”
Funding and economic challenges
The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by profound economic difficulties, such as cash shortages, limited access to electricity, and soaring prices, all of which impede aid efforts and access to fundamental services.
“The freeze on funding for humanitarian activities in January has severely affected operations, particularly in northeast Syria, notably within informal settlements and IDP camps,” Mr. Abdelmoula remarked.
In response to these mounting challenges, the UN and its partners are ramping up humanitarian operations to meet the increasing needs of the affected population.
The path to recovery
For Syria to achieve long-term stability, it is critical to focus on economic revitalization and inclusive recovery initiatives.
In this regard, the UN has formulated a transitional action plan designed to alleviate poverty, assist in the reintegration of refugees, and bolster institutional strength. Nevertheless, the success of these initiatives hinges significantly on continued international support.
“The cost of inaction […] is much higher than addressing the immediate necessities of the Syrian populace,” Mr. Abdelmoula concluded, urging for timely intervention and support to aid recovery efforts in Syria.
Source
news.un.org