The Syrian crisis, entering its ninth year this week, has displaced more than 11 million people. Further insecurity and continued displacement, as well as large-scale humanitarian and protection needs, are expected in the year ahead.
Since 2011, IOM has provided life-saving assistance and early-recovery and resilience programmes to many affected by the conflict inside Syria and across the region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing to the international community for USD 207 million to continue its lifesaving assistance.
“IOM has been steadfast in its commitment to assisting a Syrian civilian population that is still struggling to overcome the impact of the conflict,” said Mohammed Abdiker, IOM’s Director of Operations and Emergencies, “Even as short-term prospects for recovery remain grim, the international community must continue to focus on saving lives and supporting the host countries that have generously offered public services, protection and safety to millions over eight years.”
Today’s request by IOM comes as part of a more comprehensive pair of inter-agency appeals: The Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria and The Syria Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan. These funds will allow IOM to support more than 1.8 million people in Syria and neighboring countries in 2019.
As of February 2019, it is estimated that 5.7 million people remain displaced within Syria. An additional 5.6 million Syrians, nearly half of whom are children, have sought refuge in countries throughout the region.
With limited access to employment opportunities, education or healthcare, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) live in dire conditions either in camps or in informal displacement sites. Many of these sites are overcrowded, some housing four times their intended capacity.
For most IDPs, return is not likely in 2019. Moreover, only 30 percent of the families recently interviewed by local partners expressed their intention to return.
Resources for early recovery and resilience activities – such as community revitalization, education, entrepreneurship training and grants and livelihood assistance – are also priorities of the 2019 response plan.
In 2019, IOM will continue to work closely with UNHCR and partners to ensure any initiative in relation to returns is framed by the key principles of dignity, safety and voluntariness.
The launch of the IOM Appeal coincides with the Third Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, taking place 12–14 March.
Read and download the download IOM’s 2019 IOM Syria Appeal.
Original source: IOM
Published on 12 March 2019
