The United Nations has issued a stark warning over the worsening humanitarian situation in Syria, announcing that more than 16 million people now require urgent assistance due to deteriorating basic services and a sharp decline in available funding.
The announcement follows a two-day field mission by a high-level UN delegation to the war-torn country, where officials visited several regions to assess humanitarian needs and discuss opportunities to strengthen international support.
During visits to Aleppo and Idleb governorates, UN representatives met with local authorities, civil society groups, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returning families. The goal, according to a UN statement, was to gain firsthand insight into the daily challenges Syrians are facing nearly 14 years after the start of the conflict.
“What we witnessed during this mission underlines the scale of the crisis,” the delegation said in a joint statement. “Millions of Syrians are living without access to reliable electricity, clean water, health care, and education. The needs on the ground are vast, and the resources to meet them are shrinking.”
The UN called on the international community to urgently increase financial support to humanitarian operations in Syria. With the country’s infrastructure in disrepair and basic services severely disrupted, UN officials stressed that sustained funding is critical to preventing further deterioration.
Particular concern was expressed for the welfare of children and families, many of whom remain displaced or are struggling to rebuild their lives after returning home. According to UN officials, children in Syria face a growing risk of malnutrition, lack of education, and exposure to violence.
In addition to immediate aid, the delegation urged increased investment in Syria’s long-term recovery and reconstruction. They highlighted the importance of rebuilding critical infrastructure and promoting economic stability to pave the way for lasting peace.
The delegation also reiterated the UN’s commitment to standing by the Syrian people and working in coordination with the Syrian government and local partners. “Now, more than ever, cooperation and solidarity are essential. We remain committed to supporting Syria through this difficult period,” the statement concluded.
The visit comes at a time when humanitarian funding for Syria has reached one of its lowest points since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, raising fears that ongoing needs could go unmet without renewed international attention and assistance.
