Paving the road to a hopeful and inclusive future in Syria, free from violence and hardship

DAMASCUS, 23 January 2025 – “During my five-day visit to Syria, I engaged with the Caretaker Authorities, communities, UN country team, partners, parents, and children in Damascus, Aleppo, and Idleb.

“A clear message emerged: there is hope for a better future, but to pave a solid road to recovery and seize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity there must be immense, coordinated efforts at both national and international levels. From the outset, the authorities and international partners need to prioritise an inclusive transitional period that addresses the vast challenges stemming from over a decade of relentless conflict, which has left many cities, villages, and critical infrastructure in ruins, and millions of people displaced.

“Syria remains one of the most complex humanitarian situations in the world. Millions of children and families continue to face dire conditions amid ongoing instability and a slow recovery.

“An estimated 16.7 million people, including 7.5 million children need humanitarian assistance.  More than 7.2 million people remain displaced, many enduring harsh winters in makeshift shelters. The continued economic crisis has pushed more than 85 per cent of families into poverty.

“Almost 40 per cent of hospitals and health facilities are partly or completely non-functional. Nearly 13.6 million people require improved water, sanitation and hygiene services. 2.4 million children are out of school, with 1 million more at risk of dropping out, potentially robbing them of opportunities for a better future and hindering the country’s recovery.

“And lastly, but importantly, children have been exposed to horrendous violence and continue to face protection issues. Over the past 13 years, the United Nations has verified approximately 25,500 grave violations in Syria, including child recruitment and the killing and maiming of children. Creating a protective environment for children is an urgent need.

“Some of these deprivations were exemplified during my visit to Ma’arrat al Nu’man, a city that once thrived with nearly 100,000 residents but now stands eerily silent. It is a ghost town, marked by nearly 14 years of relentless conflict. The level of destruction is staggering—public services and infrastructure lie in ruins.

“Yet, amid this devastation, I encountered families determined to return and rebuild their lives. Their resilience is profoundly inspiring, but they cannot do it alone. Immediate action is crucial to restore essential services and create conditions for safe and dignified returns.

“This safe return cannot be achieved without intensified humanitarian demining efforts to remove an estimated 324,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered across the country. These invisible threats have become the leading cause of child casualties in Syria, killing or injuring more than 116 children in December 2024 alone.

“I met 18-year-old Abdo, who lost his limb after encountering an explosive ordnance in 2020, at the age of 14. His father also lost his sight during the incident. Abdo, through UNICEF’s support, received cash assistance, psychosocial support and was referred to vocational training and prosthetic assistance. He is one of many affected children in Syria.

“Throughout my visit, I witnessed remarkable solidarity among Syrian communities as they supported one another. However, the immense scale of needs, compounded by pre-existing vulnerabilities and the strain on social services, has put significant pressure on the social fabric. This must be carefully addressed in plans for the transitional period as well as in the humanitarian and recovery response. Women and adolescent girls must be at the forefront of this transition, helping to shape the new Syria with leading roles in government, business, humanitarian assistance, and other community-building work.

“UNICEF remains committed to supporting Syria on its path to recovery and rebuilding, especially in uniting efforts to prioritize the well-being and future of its children.  Over the past year, we have helped sustain major water systems reaching more than 7 million people with clean and safe water.  Nearly 1 million children gained access to formal and non-formal education opportunities. We reached 470,000 children – half of them girls – with essential vaccines, safeguarding their futures.

“For Syria to move forward, the Caretaker Authorities need, as they indicated is their intent, to champion an inclusive transition process —one that embraces the nation’s rich diversity, respects all ethnicities, and empowers every girl, boy, woman, and man. Respect for gender equality and human rights must be a cornerstone of Syria’s future.

“The international community needs to act decisively, mobilizing resources to strengthen this critical transition. Easing sanctions and facilitating measures to strengthen recovery and reconstruction efforts can pave the way for lasting progress. Time is of essence, expectations are high, and swift collective action is needed to restore hope, peace, and stability.

“UNICEF stands ready to lead where it matters for children most — providing expertise in primary health care, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, and social protection.

“The children of Syria must remain at the heart of every effort. Their future is on the line. Together, let us seize this opportunity and act boldly to secure a brighter tomorrow for every child in Syria.”

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Notes to editors
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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

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