Syrian Arab Republic

Due to the widespread impact of the crisis on all population groups across Syria¹, this document covers all populated areas of the country. According to the latest IDP Taskforce update in September 2024, the total number of IDPs is 7.4 million. Meanwhile, IDP returnees’ number 1.23 million, as reported on 15 June in the population movement bi-weekly tracking by the IDP Taskforce. However, only an estimated portion of these groups is included in the response plan as targeted populations. Humanitarian needs are analysed across the entire population, with data disaggregated down to the sub-district (admin 3) level. This document focuses on four main population groups: IDPs in camps, IDPs out of camps, vulnerable residents, and IDP returnees.

Population group #1: IDPs in camps

At the start of the year, over two million IDPs, mostly women and children and comprising 31 per cent of the total IDPs in Syria, remained in camps designed to act as a last resort for the short term. Most last resort sites such as informal settlements/camps, planned camps and collective centres are characterized by a lack of camp management systems, poor shelter conditions, overcrowding and varying degrees of access to basic services, increasing the exposure to GBV of women, boys and girls and leaving IDPs in camps vulnerable and in need of humanitarian aid.

Population group #2: IDPs out of camps

At the start of the year, according to the IDP Taskforce, over five million IDPs reside outside of camps in Syria, who comprise 69 per cent of the total IDPs in Syria. The majority of IDPs out of camps are concentrated in Aleppo (20 per cent), Rural Damascus (19 per cent) Idleb (15 per cent), Damascus (12 per cent) and Lattakia (9 per cent) Governorates, according to June 2024 Population Task Force data. This group consists of people displaced by hostilities—many of whom are in protracted displacement or have been displaced multiple times and face heightened protection risks. This concentration of displaced populations exacerbates the shortages and access limitations present throughout the country. Out of camp IDPs face psychosocial distress due to disruption in daily routines, exposure to forced evictions, lack of access to land tenure and breakdown in the social fabric, present throughout the country. Out of camp IDPs face psychosocial distress due to disruption in daily routines, exposure to forced evictions, lack of access to land tenure and breakdown in the social fabric.

Population group #3: IDP returnees

Over 1.16 million IDPs from both camps and out of camp locations including 535,300 who were displaced before 27 November 2024, and 522,800 from IDP sites. While returns have been reported across the country, predominate return movements have concentrated to areas in Aleppo and Hama with both governorates accounting for nearly 55 per cent of the total records recorded to date. More returns are anticipated during the rest of the year. According to the finding of the latest IDP return intentions’ survey², in Aleppo and Idlib, about 600,000 returnees are expected before the end of summer, and 1 million IDPs are expected to return between 2025 and early 2026. While in Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa, and Deir-ez-Zor, only 11 per cent of IDPs indicated their intention to return to their areas of origin, due to a number of challenges including lack of access to livelihood opportunities and basic services.

There are over 1.23 million IDP returnees from camps and out of camp locations, including 601.4k who were displaced before 27 November 2024, and 579.2k from IDP sites. While returns have been reported across the country, predominate return movements have concentrated to areas in Aleppo and Hama governorates, accounting for nearly 55 per cent of the total recorded to date. More returns are anticipated in 2025. According to the finding of the latest IDP return intentions’ survey8 in Aleppo and Idlib about 600,000 returnees are expected before the end of summer, and 1 million IDPs are expected to return in 2025 and early 2026. In Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor, only 11 per cent of IDPs indicated their intention to return to their areas of origin, due to a number of challenges, including lack of access to livelihood opportunities and basic services.

Population group #4: Vulnerable residents

An estimated 10.8 million vulnerable residents need assistance. This emphasizes the considerable impact of economic decline on segments of the population that have historically experienced less direct influence from hostilities and displacement. It indicates a continuous and broadening crisis, with additional segments of the population progressively experiencing heightened humanitarian needs.

Affected Palestine Refugees in Syria

Among the 438,000 Palestine Refugees remaining in Syria, 40 per cent are in protracted displacement, facing worsening socio-economic conditions and increasing hardship. With only 33 per cent of adults in employment and most households spending the majority of their income on food, reliance on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has never been greater. The escalation of regional hostilities has further strained resources, as thousands of displaced Palestine Refugees have returned to Syria, particularly from Lebanon. In 2024 alone, UNRWA recorded 2,308 returnees, while 1,010 internally displaced Palestine Refugee families (3,406 people) originally from Idlib have returned to various camps across Syria and now require urgent assistance, including cash support, non-food items, and shelter repairs. Surveys conducted by UNRWA in Lebanon and Jordan indicate that while many refugees continue to monitor developments, most do not plan to return in the immediate future due to ongoing challenges in the country. UNRWA does not have funds to provide humanitarian support for those who are voluntarily returning back to their locations of habitual residence.

Despite efforts to rehabilitate camps such as Yarmouk, Ein el Tal and Dar’a, the damage remains extensive, with 71 per cent of homes in Yarmouk reported to be affected. The UNRWA funding shortfall has significantly exacerbated the vulnerability of Palestine Refugees, with about 1.5 per cent of the 2025 Emergency Appeal budget secured (as of May 2025). Food insecurity has surged from 46 per cent in September 2022 to 62 per cent in March 2024, contributing to malnutrition, particularly among children, pregnant women and the elderly. Prolonged displacement has also intensified trauma and mental health concerns, while access to essential services such as healthcare and education remains constrained. Protection risks, including child labour and early marriage, are on the rise, particularly affecting children and women. Currently, 25 per cent of Palestine Refugee households in Syria are female-headed, while 30 per cent of refugees are classified as extremely vulnerable. Alarmingly, 89 per cent live on $2.15 or less per day.

Urgent funding is essential to sustaining life-saving assistance, including repair of damaged houses, multipurpose cash assistance (MPC), support for livelihood opportunities, and protection services for the most vulnerable. Restoring damaged UNRWA installations will allow the resumption of critical services, including education, healthcare, and vocational training, supporting over 1,400 young people (per year) in developing technical skills. Ensuring that Palestine Refugees in Syria, as well as those displaced elsewhere, can return home in a safe, informed, and dignified manner, remains a priority. Their rights, particularly in employment, freedom of movement, and access to housing and public services, must be safeguarded. As a stabilising force in the region, UNRWA continues to play a vital role in providing humanitarian assistance, protection, and recovery support, working in partnership with the UN and humanitarian partners to develop a comprehensive response to the urgent needs of Palestine Refugees in Syria.