Syria: Humanitarian response efforts continue despite lack of funding

Despite these restrictions, the United Nations reported that humanitarian aid reaches more than 350,000 people per month in Syria. The World Food Program provides approximately 400 metric tons of flour weekly to support general bakery operations. UNICEF helped rehabilitate schools in As-Suwayda Governorate.

Partners working in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene also support water trucking in Daraa and Suwayda governorates. In October alone, partners provided more than 19,000 cubic meters of drinking water and 78,000 liters of fuel to operate basic water and sanitation facilities in both governorates.

Humanitarian organizations and local authorities are also working to stabilize basic services, including rehabilitating electricity networks. However, humanitarian workers warned that limited funding and access challenges caused a 68 per cent drop in the number of people reached in Sweida, Daraa and Rural Damascus in October compared to September.

The OCHA office stated that the situation remains volatile, with more than 180,000 displaced people in southern Syria facing sporadic incidents disrupting movement and access, especially in rural areas.

Explosive ordnance continues to pose a serious threat to both host communities and displaced families. In October, partners reported 15 casualties resulting from explosive ordnance incidents. Humanitarian workers continue surveying and clearance operations and provide risk education activities depending on security conditions and funding.