Syria faces humanitarian crisis as hostilities displace thousands and disrupt essential services

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The United Nations held a daily press briefing on January 20, 2025, addressing critical humanitarian issues in Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The meeting highlighted the urgent need for international support and adherence to humanitarian laws to protect civilians in conflict zones.

In Syria, intensified hostilities in the northeast have resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Reports indicate that between January 16 and 18, at least three civilians were killed, and 14 others injured due to shelling in areas such as Mont Bij and Ain Al Arab. The ongoing violence has disrupted humanitarian access, affecting repairs to the Tashrin Dam, which has left over 410,000 people without water and electricity for six weeks. The UN reiterated the necessity for all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and facilitate safe humanitarian operations.

Turning to Sudan, the humanitarian situation remains dire, particularly in Al Jazeera state. The World Food Programme successfully delivered food and nutrition supplies to Wadd Madani for the first time in over a year, providing assistance to more than 20,000 people. However, the region faces severe shortages of food, water, and health services, with immediate access to clean water being critical. The UN called for additional resources to address the escalating needs and protect civilians amid reports of violence and movement restrictions.

In the DRC, over 600 combatants from the Zaire armed group have laid down their arms, marking a significant step towards reintegration into civilian life. This initiative, supported by the UN mission, aims to assist former combatants, including women and youth, through agricultural and community recovery programs.

The briefing also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where recent attacks in cities like Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Humanitarian workers have been active in providing aid and support to affected residents. The humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine announced a $70 million allocation from the Ukraine humanitarian fund to support essential services and newly displaced individuals.

Lastly, the UN recognized four new nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Latvia, Nauru, and Switzerland—for their contributions to the regular budget, bringing the honor roll to 17 members.

The discussions underscored the pressing humanitarian challenges faced by civilians in conflict-affected regions and the need for continued international support and cooperation.

Converted from Palestine, Lebanon & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (20 January 2025) | United Nations meeting on January 20, 2025
Link to Full Meeting