Syrian Arab Republic

Syria entered a new era in 2025, but the humanitarian crisis is far from over. Continuous hostilities in the northern and southern parts of the country, and recently in the coastal area, continue to trigger additional needs among the population, including displacement and protection concerns and humanitarian access challenges. 

Compounding this situation are the drought-like conditions that Syria is experiencing. The worst such conditions in more than 36 years, there are devastating impacts on food security, access to water, and related public health concerns. While voluntary returns of both internally displaced Syrians and Syrian refugees are taking place, several challenges persist, including ongoing security concerns, limited access to basic services and the need for sustainable reintegration programmes.

The security situation across southern Syria remains volatile – including sporadic armed incidents – and continues to impact humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.

More than 70 per cent of the population still needs some form of humanitarian aid.

More than 9 million people are acutely food insecure. Some 7 million people are displaced internally, more than 4 million are refugees in neighbouring countries.

Funding cuts have had a severe impact. Hospitals, community centres, and safe spaces for women and girls have been closed as a consequence of funding cuts – exacerbating protection risks, including of more early marriage and gender-based violence.

Since December, more than 900,000 refugees and some 1.9 million people displaced internally have returned to their home areas.

Of particular concern is the situation in As-Sweida Governorate, where essential services remain under strain due to conflict, economic decline and administrative hurdles, with disruptions in the sectors of food, health and agriculture. Public bakeries have temporarily closed, and urgent agricultural support is needed ahead of the planting season between October and December to prevent further food insecurity. Severe shortages, including water, electricity, communications and medical supplies have affected health facilities.

With the start of the academic year, schools that served as displacement sites have been closed leading to more people being displaced.

Explosive hazards also remain a serious threat in the region.

It is imperative that in 2025, at this pivotal moment in the history of Syria, the international community responds effectively to the needs of the Syrian people by increasing their financial support. Despite stretched funding, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are committed to continue delivering humanitarian aid, seizing opportunities while remaining vigilant in the face of challenges and their impacts on peoples’ needs.

The UN and its humanitarian partners continue delivering aid in southern Syria, amid a challenging security environment and limited funding*. They are getting critical humanitarian assistance to nearly 3.5 million people across Syria, on average, every month. This represents a 25 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

The US$3.19 billion humanitarian plan for Syria remains underfunded.