Syria: as surge in conflict displaces thousands, 70 INGOs call for the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, safe access to people in need, and urgent funding

With at least half a million already displaced by war in Lebanon into Syria, renewed violence across the country is displacing thousands more, and exacerbating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. From Aleppo to Idlib to Hama, our partners report that surging hostilities are endangering civilians, driving internal displacement, disrupting the continuity of essential services and obstructing the delivery of life saving humanitarian aid. Offices and facilities of some partners have been damaged or destroyed, further impacting humanitarian operations.

Up to 45,000 people have already been displaced around the frontlines, and the United Nations estimates 200,000 to 400,000 Syrians could be internally displaced unless hostilities cease. Significant civilian casualties, including women and children, have also been reported.

The rules of war must be upheld by all parties to conflict in Syria. Precautions must be taken to prevent harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, hospitals, schools and shelters must be protected, and safe, unimpeded delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance enabled without exception or delay.

Some 16.7 million Syrians required humanitarian assistance before the current uptick in violence, including over 7 million internally displaced. In a crisis rife with protection risks, the response remains overstretched and woefully underfunded: less than 30 per cent of required funding is available to humanitarians already navigating exceptionally challenging circumstances to reach those in need. This week’s developments threaten to push Syria and Syrians closer to the edge, and confirms yet again that conditions remain untenable for safe return.