Twelve years since the start of the military conflict, Syria has one of the most complicated humanitarian crises in the world, with 14.6 million people in need of humanitarian aid, including 4.3 million women, 6.5 million children and 4.2 million people with special needs. The conflict also affects Syria’s neighbours hosting millions of people who have been forced to flee Syria.
“Syria has 2.4 million children of school age who cannot attend school and who are at the greatest risk of becoming victims of child labour, early and forced marriage, human trafficking and recruitment into military groups,” Ambassador Marten Kokk, who led the Estonian delegation, said. “Over the past year, humanitarian needs have increased due to the earthquake in February, a cholera outbreak and a deteriorating socio-economic situation. It is also crucial to ensure unhindered humanitarian access, including cross-border access, to those in need,” Kokk said.
The ambassador also noted the importance of a comprehensive and meaningful political solution in Syria, which would be in line with resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council and meet the legitimate expectations of all Syrians.
OCHA is the central coordinator of providing life-saving humanitarian aid in Syria and the region.
UNICEF supports activities in Syria aimed at protecting children from violence, as well as millions of children who have been deprived of an education after years of conflict. UNICEF’s actions are aimed at ensuring emergency health and food services, including the availability of services for mothers and children, and providing emergency water, sanitary and hygiene assistance.
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