It is with great urgency and commitment that we present the extension of the 2025 Syria Humanitarian Response Priorities, a comprehensive and strategic document that outlines the critical humanitarian needs and coordinated response strategies for addressing the assessed humanitarian needs in Syria. Syria entered a new era in 2025, and while prospects are positive, with hope for peace, reduced levels of violence, renewed diplomatic engagement, and growing potential for economic revitalization: humanitarian needs remain. The legacy of over 14 years of conflict continues to manifest itself in a continuing and unprecedented humanitarian crisis, characterised by significant humanitarian challenges, including the devastating impacts of displacement, widespread food insecurity, a worsening malnutrition situation, and climate change. Protection concerns remain, especially for women and girls, access to essential services continues to be disrupted, and the socio-economic crisis along with protracted displacement continue to drive needs across the country.
These crises have left millions of Syrians in urgent need of assistance, with the most vulnerable populations facing extreme hardship. Further, displaced Syrians–both refugees and those who were internally displaced–are voluntarily returning amidst highlighted challenges and require sustainable reintegration programmes. This document serves as a vital roadmap for the humanitarian community, providing clear guidance on how to deliver targeted, efficient, and life-saving assistance to those most affected by these complex and interrelated crises.
We are fully aware of the scale of the challenges ahead and the need for coordinated efforts at all levels. In 2025, the United Nations (UN) is adjusting its humanitarian coordination structure to respond to this changing context. Expanded humanitarian access and a reduction in conflict will enable the UN to transition from the “Whole-of-Syria” framework that has operated from Damascus, Gaziantep and Amman to a more standard and unified Damascus-based structure under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator, which aims to be inclusive, efficient and effective. Due to the rapidly evolving situation, a collective decision was made to extend the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan premised on assessed needs and contextual realities, to cover programming requirements for 2025.
The ongoing adjustments to structures and coordination frameworks, while essential, can only go so far in addressing the massive humanitarian needs in Syria. Collective action is needed, including financial support to a hitherto severely underfunded Humanitarian Response Plan, as well as continued advocacy and support to address protection concerns, promote unrestricted humanitarian access, and the creation of conditions that facilitate economic recovery.
It is during this critical period that our action–or inaction–will have a compounded impact on the people of Syria for years to come. Amplifying our efforts, taking advantage of opportunities, and demonstrating our commitment to the people of Syria, are our collective responsibility. We count on the continued support of all partners as we move forward, as it is only through collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment that we can hope to overcome these challenges and build a better, more resilient future for Syria.
Adam Abdelmoula - Humanitarian Coordinator
Ramanathan BALAKRISHNAN - Regional Humanitarian Coordinator