Syria has entered a pivotal yet precarious moment in its history. The recent fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024 has left a fractured nation that for decades has grappled with conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises. While there is a glimmer of hope for the rebuilding of the country, the scale of destruction and human suffering demands immediate and sustained global intervention. Voices from those on the ground paint a sobering picture of the challenges that lie ahead.
Dr. Mohammad Hallaj, Director of the Syrian Response Coordination Group, commented that the humanitarian situation in northwest Syria remains dire noting that this region has relied on UN offices in Turkey and Gaziantep for assistance while areas under former regime control remain linked to the Damascus office. He added that while the projects continue to run, the future prospects remain uncertain.
Last May, almost 17 million people urgently needing life-saving aid and this number is believed to have increased in view of the current ongoing events.
“Before the fall of the regime, humanitarian needs were already immense. Now, they have surged even further,” Hallaj explained. “Residents cannot return to areas like Aethana. Entire villages remain uninhabitable. Where can people go? Their homes are destroyed. Are they supposed to live in camps indefinitely, exposed to rain and harsh conditions, until reconstruction or repairs begin?”
Hallaj also highlighted the findings of his organization’s assessments in areas such as Homs, Hama, and Damascus which suggest an urgent need for resources, with over 82 villages reporting more than 90% destruction.
“7.2 million internally displaced individuals remain in camps, unable to return home until stability and reconstruction efforts begin,” he added.
Anas Jouda, President of the National Reconstruction Movement, shared his insights into the ongoing displacement challenges with DevelopmentAid.
“We’ve witnessed significant displacement from Aleppo to Damascus. These movements persist, but international organizations have yet to respond effectively,” he said.
According to Jouda, escalating violence has disrupted aid in some areas, leaving many people without support.
“While recent political changes haven’t directly destroyed homes, they have triggered precautionary displacements from major cities,” Jouda said.
He added that security could stabilize over time, potentially allowing some displaced people to return, but critical service shortages persist in areas like Damascus.
Nawar Badran, a Syrian humanitarian activist, described the desperate conditions faced by displaced Syrians.
“The situation for those displaced is dire. They have no homes to return to, and no realistic solutions appear on the horizon,” he told DevelopmentAid.
At border crossings, particularly with Lebanon, the situation is even worse. Badran reported that displaced people lack food and essential support from international organizations.
“Winter has compounded their suffering. They fled violence without adequate protection against the cold, and now they can’t afford transportation costs to move their belongings or families. They desperately need tents, heaters, and fuel,” he added.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that the prolonged conflict, exacerbated by climate crises, has pushed millions into hunger and poverty. Events such as the 2023 earthquakes, which displaced 600,000 people and claimed nearly 6,000 lives, and the spillover conflict from Lebanon have further strained Syria’s fragile humanitarian landscape. WFP has delivered aid to over a million affected individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for food security and disaster response systems.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has appealed for US$30 million to support displaced populations in northwest Syria during the harsh winter. According to IOM, up to one million people have been displaced by the recent fighting. Their response plan includes providing winter relief supplies, emergency shelter, and sanitation services to address the critical needs of vulnerable groups.
Similarly, UNOCHA has highlighted the ongoing challenges in Aleppo and northeast Syria where food shortages, electricity outages, and restricted access to aid are compounding the suffering. Despite these challenges, cross-border operations from Turkey remain a lifeline for many with food having being delivered to over 700,000 people since the escalation of the hostilities. However, heightened security risks and looting continue to disrupt humanitarian efforts.
