Update on the Humanitarian Action in Syria

The end of the Assad regime marks a significant turning point for Syria. New authorities came into power and a caretaker government is in place. According to the UN, 16,7 million Syrians still require humanitarian assistance as the country grapples with widespread displacement, food insecurity, damaged infrastructure, inadequate water and sanitation, and severe economic instability. It is a critical moment for action. As access to many areas has improved, more needs have come to light and organisations are scaling up operations. Initial signs of navigating amidst the new authorities are positive. What are the opportunities, but also, what are the most pressing challenges?

We find this a crucial time to come together with the sector to discuss the current situation and invite you to participate in this roundtable on the situation in Syria. 

• Scott Bohlinger, Regional Director Middle East and Central Asia, INSO will kick off the round table by elaborating on safety and humanitarian access in Syria following the fall of the Assad government. 

The session will be moderated by Ali Aljasem, researcher at the Centre for Conflict Studies at Utrecht University.

• Access, operational, and coordination challenges since scaling up operations. Including: operating in areas that faced decades of restricted access and security operations and their impact on humanitarian access.
• Take stock of the main humanitarian needs.
• Support for local actors: How can Dutch-based humanitarian actors best assist local and civil society groups?
• Navigating the caretaker government: What are the opportunities and risks of engaging with new authorities?
• The wider political context: What are the latest developments in the regional and international landscape, including sanctions, and how do these impact humanitarian efforts and Syria’s long-term stability?

Picture: INSO