Syrians in massive humanitarian need, warns World Vision

Press Release, 09 December 2 - World Vision, an international aid agency, is urgently responding to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime. In just 10 days, hundreds of civilians have been killed or injured, and 178,000 people have been displaced, leaving families in desperate need of basic assistance. Humanitarian operations are severely restricted due to ongoing insecurity, compounding 14 years of relentless conflict and chronic funding shortages, which have left 16.7 million Syrians - almost 70% of the population - requiring aid. Across the region, a further 12.9 million Syrians and the communities hosting them also rely on humanitarian support.

The situation is particularly dire in northwest Syria,where more than 280,000 people have fled escalating violence, many seeking refuge in overcrowded camps. Food scarcity is worsening, with bakeries and markets struggling to operate, and public services in cities such as Aleppo—including hospitals, power stations, and water supplies—are either disrupted or completely shut down due to staff and resource shortages. With winter rapidly approaching, millions of people are at risk of facing severe conditions without adequate shelter, food, or basic services, highlighting the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance.

“The overall situation has hampered the availability and accessibility of basic services. Critical services such as access to food, clean water, and sanitation are under pressure. Children in particular, are impacted,” said World Vision Syria Response Director, Emmanuel Isch.

There is a risk of waterborne diseases resulting from poor sanitation. Funding shortfalls are challenging efforts to restore clean water in cities, including Aleppo. Funding is also needed to support women and girl survivors of sexual violence and to protect children and help them face the violence they have experienced.   
 
“The escalation has severely disrupted health services. Several health-care facilities, including main hospitals and primary health-care centres, have been damaged or closed. Health-care facilities are under immense strain, with many hospitals only offering emergency services. In addition, the conflict, displacement and disruptions to essential services have placed immense psychological pressure on the affected population, especially children,” said Isch.   
 
World Vision Syria will continue to assess what people need in what is a rapidly evolving situation and will scale up humanitarian operations by collaborating with local implementing partners to reach those most affected.   
 
“There is an urgent need for immediate funding to support those affected by the recent escalation of events in Syria, especially children, who have mostly grown up in a context of conflict. We must do everything in our power to protect them and enable a future with hope. World Vision calls on all parties to prioritize peace and put the well-being of children first,” Isch added.