During a press briefing from Damascus at the UN headquarters in New York, Adam Abdelmoula, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, highlighted that the country is at a pivotal moment as conditions deteriorate, despite some optimism following the decline in Assad’s grip on power. The ongoing presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance remains a serious danger, with over 600 reported casualties since December, a third of whom are children.
**Progress Towards Stability**
In spite of the dire situation, there have been signs of movement towards stability. Since December, approximately 1.2 million individuals have returned to their residences, which includes 885,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 302,000 returning refugees. The UNHCR estimates that as many as 3.5 million refugees and IDPs could come back this year, highlighting an urgent need for investments in recovery and reintegration initiatives. Key challenges include a lack of basic services, security threats, and missing legal documentation.
**Ongoing Hostilities**
Despite these advancements, active conflicts persist in northern, southern, and coastal regions of Syria, leading to the displacement of thousands and complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid. The recent intensification of hostilities in coastal areas has resulted in numerous casualties and considerable damage to infrastructure, including health facilities. Mr. Abdelmoula emphasized, “To mitigate further suffering, all parties must engage in de-escalation and adhere to international humanitarian law,” underlining the importance of immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.
**Funding and Economic Difficulties**
The situation is further aggravated by significant economic challenges, including cash shortages, limited electricity supply, and escalating prices, which hinder aid efforts and access to basic services. Mr. Abdelmoula noted that the suspension of funding for humanitarian operations in January has had a profound impact on activities, particularly in northeast Syria, especially within informal settlements and IDP camps. The UN and its partners are responding by scaling up humanitarian operations to meet the increasing demands of the population.
**The Path Forward**
For Syria to achieve long-term stability, revitalizing the economy and implementing inclusive recovery strategies are essential. The UN has put forth a transitional action plan aimed at alleviating poverty, aiding refugee reintegration, and fortifying institutions. Nevertheless, international backing is crucial for the success of these initiatives. Mr. Abdelmoula concluded, “The cost of inaction […] vastly outweighs the expense of addressing the immediate needs of the Syrian populace.”
Mr. Abdelmoula addressed the media at the UN headquarters in New York via video connection from Damascus.
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