ReliefWeb

Summary

This operations update provides a summary detailing achieved results against the objectives and targets of the emergency plan of action of the IFRC Syria Complex Emergency Appeal, focusing on the period from January 1 2016 until March 2017.
At the time of preparation, the funding analysis below shows that against the 2017 emergency appeal budget of CHF 49.7 million, 46 percent was covered, funded with contributions received in 2017 and the balance carried forward from 2016. The IFRC Emergency Appeal is currently seeking contributions towards the funding gap of CHF 26,9 million. The IFRC sends its sincere gratitude to all partners for supporting the IFRC and SARC joint humanitarian operation and capacity. Note the attached financial report extends to April, in order to capture all activities carried out up to March 2017.

Situation

After more than six years of conflict, the situation in Syria remains one of the largest population displacements in decades. In 2016, UN estimated that more than 2 million Syrians were displaced from their homes - this means an average of 5,600 new displaced persons every day. Over the course of this past year, the situation has turned to worse in many parts of the country, leaving more than 13.5 million children, women and men in need of humanitarian assistance, 7 million of which are unable to obtain the basic food requirements.
The latest figures from inter-agency field assessments report that four in five Syrians live in poverty and suffer from a deep economic recession, fluctuating national currency, and soaring food and fuel prices. Currently, households are spending up to 25% of income on daily water needs. At the same time, some 4.4 million people, including 2.9 million children and 1.5 million pregnant and lactating women need nutritional support. Close to 60% of the population requires health assistance, with more than half of public health care facilities are either closed or only partially operational.
During the past six months, the situation in Syria has alternated between local ceasefires and worsening security situation. This reporting period has also seen major evacuations (such as Aleppo and Al-Waer in Homs). During the first quarter of 2017, there was a notable increase in tensions between different factions, which further increased the risks of civilians living in these areas. Communities in nearby areas hosted increased number of people during further displacements.
Every day thousands of SARC volunteers and staff bravely deliver much needed humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people and communities in hard to reach areas and besieged areas where the level of security risk is high.
Since the start of the conflict, 64 SARC staff and volunteers lost their lives on duty as well as 8 PRCS Syria branch volunteers. SARC volunteers are the last mile in aid delivery throughout the country. Through its 14 branches, 64 active sub-branches and more than 7,000 active staff and volunteers, SARC is present in most parts of the country and works according to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.