Northwest Syria NGO Forum Urges Decisive Action to Protect Civilians Amid Escalating Violence

The situation is dire; recent reports confirm at least 125 attacks, including shelling and airstrikes, occurred in Idleb and western Aleppo over just three days (November 26-28). Tragically, these hostilities resulted in the deaths of at least twenty-two civilians, including two humanitarian volunteers, five children and several women, and left seventy-eight others injured, including twelve children, during this period. The international community must act decisively to protect these vulnerable populations and uphold the sanctity of civilian life.

As of November 30, over 48,500 people - nearly half of whom are children- have been displaced, according to UN reports. The situation remains volatile, and figures are still being verified amidst ongoing violence. The challenges facing these newly displaced families are compounded by harsh winter conditions, placing them at extreme risk. This crisis comes amid an already strained humanitarian response in Northwest Syria, intensified by the recent influx of displacements from Lebanon and a critical funding shortfall. Without immediate intervention and adequate resources, the capacity to meet the escalating needs of these vulnerable populations is gravely undermined.

Since November 27th, 30 humanitarian NGOs in Idleb have reported suspensions of humanitarian activities due to ongoing fighting and access constraints. At least 24 health facilities have halted services, along with protection services, community centers, and gender-based violence (GBV) support. Public and private schools, as well as universities in Idleb and western Aleppo, have suspended classes, disrupting education for countless students.

Northwest Syria has faced intensified attacks since September 23, alternating between brief periods of calm and escalated violence. This increase in hostilities coincides with a critical funding gap for the cross-border response, which is facing its worst shortfall since the onset of the crisis. With only a month remaining in the year, the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria has secured less than 30% of the $4.07 billion needed to support the most vulnerable populations. Underfunding has forced the suspension of essential aid and services, including WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), and health support in over eighty facilities.

The Syrian conflict has now been ongoing for 14 years, characterized by a profound lack of political resolution and the alarming normalization of violations of International Humanitarian Law. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians- especially children- have surged, with schools targeted in the escalating violence.

Rather than seeing an end to this protracted crisis, hostilities have intensified, leaving civilians, particularly children, to suffer the most. Amidst the unspeakable human suffering, the Northwest Syria NGO Forum members are urgently calling for immediate and decisive action to address this escalating crisis:

To parties of the conflict:

1) Immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to the International Humanitarian Law by all parties, ensuring the protection of all civilians and civilian infrastructure.

2) Guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and protection of humanitarian workers to enable safe and unrestricted delivery of lifesaving aid to all affected populations.

To the UN and member states:

1) Intensify diplomatic and legal efforts to implement de-escalation mechanisms and de-confliction of civilian and humanitarian locations to ensure protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers.

2) Call for unconditional cross-border humanitarian access to the affected populations in Northwest Syria, including the reportedly newly NSAGs (Non-State Armed Groups)-controlled areas. 

To donors and humanitarian actors:

1) Urgently deploy adequate and flexible emergency funding to sustain essential and lifesaving services including winterization items, healthcare, food, protection, and shelter.

2) Enhance coordination efforts and reinforce the Northwest Syria hub to enable efficient and effective humanitarian response in the area and implement robust monitoring and support mechanisms to maximize the impact of humanitarian aid.

3) Streamline flexibility in the design and implementation of programmes to ensure aid can reach those in need while adapting to shifting control dynamics and emerging access opportunities.

4) Increase funding and support for local organizations, including women-led organizations, to enhance community resilience and foster sustainability and stability in the region.