Syria: Ongoing Conflict, Economic Struggles & Aid Shortages Persist -Press Conference|United Nations скачать в хорошем качестве

Syria: Ongoing Conflict, Economic Struggles & Aid Shortages Persist -Press Conference|United Nations

While progress is being made, ongoing hostilities, economic hardships, and underfunding threaten both humanitarian operations and recovery efforts in Syria, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Adam Abdelmoula warned. Today (20 Mar), Abdelmoula addressed the press remotely from Damascus and said, “14 years of conflict have left 16.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, making Syria one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. We see here widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and essential services. Landmines and explosive remnants of war pose an everyday threat, having caused over 600 casualties since December.” He continued, “While progress is being made, ongoing hostilities, economic hardships and underfunding threaten both humanitarian operations and recovery efforts. Since December 2024,1,2 million people have returned to their areas of origin, including 885,000 internally displaced persons and 302,000 refugees.” However, he added, “only 100,000 of the 2 million IDPs in northwest Syria have returned, and that is largely due to lack of basic services, security risks and missing legal documents. UNHCR projects that up to 3.5 million refugees and IDPs might return this year, and that underscores the need for urgent investments in recovery and reintegration support.” He said, “Active hostilities continue in the north, south and some pockets in the coastal area, displacing thousands and hindering aid access. The recent coastal violence in the coastal areas alone has reportedly killed and injured hundreds and caused widespread destruction, including two health facilities. To prevent further suffering, all parties must commit to de-escalation and abide by international humanitarian law.” He also said, “The use of freeze of funding for humanitarian activities in January 2025 has severely impacted operations, especially in northeast Syria, particularly in informal settlements and IDP camps.” Abdelmoula said, “8 million people will receive humanitarian aid through June 2025. The first ever countrywide Rapid Needs assessment covering 2,600 communities and camps will provide data driven priorities for our response. Access has improved in former frontline areas like rural Idlib, rural Latakia and eastern Aleppo, with over 678 trucks crossing from Türkiye this year.” Answering a question, he said, “The major concern that humanitarians have with regard to Israeli incursions is that it is limiting our ability to access the people who need humanitarian assistance.”