OCHA says 16.7 million Syrians expected to require assistance in 2024
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Sunday that Humanitarian needs in Syria are reaching unprecedented levels, with 16.7 million people expected to require assistance in 2024.
OCHA said in a new report that Syria remains a protection crisis, with 7.2 million Syrians living in displacement, many in overcrowded camps.
The report further explained that the Syrian conflict has resulted in the killing of 454 civilians, including 88 women and 115 children, from January to October 2023.
It also mentioned the deadly Feb.6, 2023 earthquakes in north Syria and Turkey, which resulted in nearly 6,000 deaths and over 12,800 injuries in Syria alone.
The military hostilities remain severe, causing displacements, destruction of infrastructure, and widespread suffering. In 2023, northern Syria and Deir-ez-Zor Governorate witnessed a significant escalation of hostilities, leading to the displacement of over 153,000 people, according to the report.
Furthermore, the Syrian economy continues to deteriorate, with the Syrian pound losing half of its value against the U.S. dollar the report further added that Since February 2023. Inflation has raised by 88 percent, driven by reduced access to goods, disrupted supply chains, and increased logistics costs.
In the report, OCHA concluded that “Investing in essential basic services now is essential to pave the way for a more durable response and prevent an even larger crisis from unfolding.”