Syrians in massive humanitarian need as regime change leads to surge in displacement. World Vision calls on all parties to prioritise peace and put the well-being of children first

The latest bout of suffering follows 14 years of conflict and annual shortages of funding to deal with ongoing enormous needs. There are currently 16.7 million people in need in Syria, that is almost 70% of the total 24.3 million population. While across the region another 12.9 million Syrians - and people hosting them - need humanitarian assistance.

More than 280,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria since the escalation of the conflicts two weeks ago.

The UN reports families sheltering in overcrowded camps, with limited access to the basics and worsening conditions. Winter is coming with people facing the cold with next to nothing.

Food scarcity is a growing concern, with markets struggling to operate. Public services and critical facilities, especially in Aleppo, including hospitals, power stations, and water supplies, have been disrupted. Some are not-functioning due to a shortage of supplies and staff.

"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. In Northwest Syria, more than 550,000 girls and boys are at risk of mental health issues.

World Vision 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 prioritise peace and put the well-being of children first,” said Mr. Isch.

World Vision has been working in Syria and neighbouring countries in response to the on-going crisis in the region over the years. Syrians have endured conflict in the country for almost 14 years. The situation is further exacerbated, and resources are no longer sufficient to the constant and enormous needs of more than 29.6 million people in Syria and neighbouring countries that require urgent humanitarian support due to the regime change. World Vision Hong Kong calls for everyone to step forward in this critical moment to support people who are affected.

Donations can be made via:

1. Online donation: https://www.worldvision.org.hk/our-work/syrian-refugee-response

2. ATM Transfer / Direct Bank-in:
- Bank of China 012-883-0-002136-6

3. Crossed cheque: payable to “WORLD VISION HONG KONG”

Donors may send their cheques or bank-in slips, with personal details attached, to World Vision Hong Kong, Freepost No. 69. Please mark “Syrian Refugee Response” on the envelope. Donations are tax-deductible with official receipts.

For any enquiries in donations, please contact Donor Services of World Vision at 2394 2394.