Syria: Millions of People in need of humanitarian aid
Adib Abokhors works for the Welthungerhilfe (WHH) office in Aʿzāz in Syria. He has never left his home country, was seriously injured in the war and now wants to help rebuild his devastated country. In the interview, he talks about tears of joy after the change of power, but also about the enormous need for humanitarian aid in Syria.
Adib Abokhors, how are you doing?
Like the vast majority of Syrians, I am incredibly happy about the change of power in our country after more than 13 years of war. People are crying with happiness on the streets and hugging each other. We feel like we've been living a dream for a few days.
What is the current situation in Syria?
Unclear and volatile. However, we hope that the situation will stabilize quickly.
How many people in Syria are currently dependent on humanitarian aid?
After more than 13 years of war, 16.7 million Syrians are dependent on humanitarian aid, which corresponds to two-thirds of the entire population. Around 13 million people, around half the population, cannot adequately feed themselves without aid.
Rising food prices and cold winter months complicate situation in Syria
What problems are the people in Syria currently suffering from?
A deep economic crisis, rising food prices and the mass loss of jobs are exacerbating the already difficult situation. Employees receive the equivalent of around 25 US dollars a month. But even a 600-gram loaf of bread costs around one dollar. Destroyed schools, hospitals and water systems make it difficult for people to access education, medical care and clean water. Many families continue to live in insecurity and face an uncertain future. Violence and displacement continue to characterize the daily lives of many families in some regions.
What challenges does winter bring?
Because their homes have been completely destroyed, millions of internally displaced people are living in makeshift shelters that offer little protection from freezing temperatures, snow and rain. The risk of illnesses such as respiratory infections is correspondingly high, especially for children and the elderly. And now there are also the returning families.
Who suffers the most?
Everyone is suffering from the consequences of more than 13 years of war. But as always, children, pregnant women, the elderly and the chronically ill are suffering the most.
How is WHH currently helping people in Syria?
WHH provides and repairs emergency shelters, installs and maintains sanitary facilities, distributes blankets, cooking utensils, and hygiene kits, and carries out hygiene training. We distribute food parcels in refugee camps and support displaced people with cash so that they can repair their destroyed homes and buy clothing and heating supplies. Last year, we reached around one million people with a budget of 23.3 million euros.
Should the aid now be expanded?
Yes, but like everyone else, we have been surprised by the last few days' developments. We are now working flat out on how we can also provide aid in the liberated parts of the country and thus reach even more people. As early as this month, we want to provide additional families who have had to flee the recent fighting with cash, hygiene kits, tents and warm blankets. Together with our local partner organization Shafak, we are also distributing bread to particularly needy families in the province of Aleppo.
How many aid workers does WHH have in Syria?
We currently have around 90 permanent and 60 contract staff. As we expand our activities, the number will undoubtedly increase. At the moment, only Syrians are working for WHH in Syria. Many of them could have fled during the war, but they stayed in the country to help people in need.
The number of people in need will increase as the country is devastated after 13 years of war. There are areas where there are no houses or trees left.
Adib Abokhors Communication expert for WHH in SyriaHow dangerous is it to provide aid in Syria now?
It is still dangerous to provide aid in Syria. But since the change of power, it has become easier and safer. Now aid can reach the parts of the country that Assad previously controlled, where it is most urgently needed. WHH did not work in the areas controlled by Assad.
Focus on humanitarian aid and reconstruction
Will more or fewer people in Syria be dependent on humanitarian aid in the future?
The number of people in need will increase as the country is devastated after 13 years of war. There are areas where there are no houses or trees left. In addition, many people will return to their homes after the change of power.
Is WHH already thinking about reconstruction?
WHH plans to switch from emergency aid to medium and long-term development projects to support infrastructure reconstruction and restore people's livelihoods. However, this requires a stable security situation and sufficient financial resources. In any case, it must also be ensured that schools are rebuilt quickly so that a lost generation does not grow up in Syria.
Are there enough funds for humanitarian aid and reconstruction?
The UN has budgeted around 4.07 billion US dollars for humanitarian aid in Syria for 2024. However, only 31.6 percent of this has been funded so far. The current situation will likely lead to a further increase in demand, which could widen the funding gap.
The interview with our colleague Adib Abokhors was conducted by journalist Philipp Hedemann.
