Syrians in massive humanitarian need as regime change leads to surge in displacement
World Vision is warning of a rapid and devastating escalation in humanitarian needs in Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime.
The international aid agency reports that more than 178,000 people are newly displaced, and 16.7 million people urgently require humanitarian assistance.
With teams inside Syria, World Vision says basic services have been disrupted and families are facing severe shortages of food, water, and essential services.
World Vision Syria Response Director, Emmanuel Isch says children – who have lived through years of conflict - are now bracing for the harsh winter ahead.
“The current situation has hampered the availability and accessibility of critical services. Access to food, clean water, healthcare and sanitation are under pressure. Children in particular, are impacted,” he says.
“Food scarcity is a growing concern, with bakeries and markets struggling to operate. The escalation has severely disrupted health services. Several hospitals and primary healthcare centres have been damaged or closed. Those that remain open are under immense strain, with many hospitals only offering emergency services,” said Isch.
“In addition, the conflict, displacement and disruptions to essential services is placing immense psychological pressure on the affected population, especially children. Immediate support is essential to protect and care for those most at risk.”
World Vision, alongside trusted local partners, is already working to deliver essential aid - food, water, winter supplies, and medical support - to children and families in desperate need. Following 14 years of conflict and annual shortages of global humanitarian funding there are already enormous ongoing needs in Syria. There are currently 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance – more than two thirds of the total population. While across the region another 12.9 million Syrians - and people hosting them – also need humanitarian assistance.
“We must urgently support those affected by the recent escalation of events in Syria, especially children, who have mostly grown up in a context of conflict,” Isch says.
“World Vision calls on all parties to prioritise peace and put the well-being of children first. We must do everything in our power to protect them and enable a future with hope."
New Zealanders wanting to support children and families in Syria this Christmas, can donate here
The international aid agency reports that more than 178,000 people are newly displaced, and 16.7 million people urgently require humanitarian assistance.
With teams inside Syria, World Vision says basic services have been disrupted and families are facing severe shortages of food, water, and essential services.
World Vision Syria Response Director, Emmanuel Isch says children – who have lived through years of conflict - are now bracing for the harsh winter ahead.
“The current situation has hampered the availability and accessibility of critical services. Access to food, clean water, healthcare and sanitation are under pressure. Children in particular, are impacted,” he says.
“Food scarcity is a growing concern, with bakeries and markets struggling to operate. The escalation has severely disrupted health services. Several hospitals and primary healthcare centres have been damaged or closed. Those that remain open are under immense strain, with many hospitals only offering emergency services,” said Isch.
“In addition, the conflict, displacement and disruptions to essential services is placing immense psychological pressure on the affected population, especially children. Immediate support is essential to protect and care for those most at risk.”
World Vision, alongside trusted local partners, is already working to deliver essential aid - food, water, winter supplies, and medical support - to children and families in desperate need. Following 14 years of conflict and annual shortages of global humanitarian funding there are already enormous ongoing needs in Syria. There are currently 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance – more than two thirds of the total population. While across the region another 12.9 million Syrians - and people hosting them – also need humanitarian assistance.
“We must urgently support those affected by the recent escalation of events in Syria, especially children, who have mostly grown up in a context of conflict,” Isch says.
“World Vision calls on all parties to prioritise peace and put the well-being of children first. We must do everything in our power to protect them and enable a future with hope."
New Zealanders wanting to support children and families in Syria this Christmas, can donate here