Syrian Arab Republic: Syria ‑ Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #4, Fiscal Year (FY) 2019
HIGHLIGHTS
Approximately 11.7 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance in 2019
USG announces $397 million in new emergency funding for Syria
Al Hol camp population exceeds 68,000, exacerbating needs and straining camp capacity
Increased airstrikes in northwestern Syria endanger and kill civilians, first responders
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Approximately 5,900 people displaced by fighting between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) elements in Dayr az Zawr Governorate arrived at Al Hasakah Governorate’s Al Hol camp from March 7–14, bringing the camp’s total population to an estimated 68,100 people, relief agencies report. Many individuals are arriving at the camp in poor health; at least 122 people had died while transiting to Al Hol or shortly after arriving at the camp as of mid-March, according to the UN. The UN and humanitarian agencies are providing emergency food, medical, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance to displaced populations and are coordinating with camp management to expand services for vulnerable populations in the camp.
Syrian Arab Republic Government (SARG) airstrikes and bombardments in northern Aleppo, northern Hamah, and southern Idlib governorates have intensified since late January, endangering and killing civilians and prompting the temporary suspension of humanitarian activities in affected areas. In addition, alleged Government of the Russian Federation (GoRF) airstrikes killed at least 16 civilians in Idlib from March 9–13, according to the Syrian Civil Defense (SCD)—also known as the White Helmets.
On March 14, the U.S. Government (USG) announced approximately $397 million in additional humanitarian funding for the emergency response in Syria and for Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. The new assistance includes more than $8 million from USAID/OFDA, approximately $344 million from State/PRM, and more than $44 million from USAID/FFP to support life-saving interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and other vulnerable populations in Syria, as well as Syrian refugees in the region.
