The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced a significant expansion of its appeal for Syria, now reaching USD 73.2 million. This increased funding is crucial to provide essential assistance to over 1.1 million people across the country in the next six months, as Syria undergoes a period of profound transition following the change in government. This substantial appeal, approximately equivalent to 73 million euros based on current exchange rates, reflects the escalating humanitarian needs on the ground.
“IOM is deeply committed to supporting the people of Syria during this pivotal moment as the country recovers from nearly 14 years of devastating conflict,” stated IOM Director General Amy Pope. “We will leverage our extensive experience in both humanitarian aid and recovery efforts to assist vulnerable communities throughout Syria. Working collaboratively with all partners, IOM aims to contribute to building a more stable and prosperous future for Syria.”
This revised appeal represents a nationwide expansion of the initial USD 30 million appeal launched in December 2024. The original appeal primarily addressed the growing winter needs in Northwest Syria. Now, as IOM re-establishes its operational presence within Syria, building upon two decades of work in Damascus prior to 2020 and its significant cross-border operations in northwest Syria over the last decade, the focus is broadened. The goal is to deliver immediate and comprehensive assistance to the most vulnerable populations across Syria, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returning communities, and those facing acute hardship.
The allocated funds will be strategically deployed to provide a range of critical services. These include the distribution of essential relief items and cash assistance to meet immediate needs. Shelter and protection assistance will be prioritized to ensure safety and security for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, alongside essential health services, will address public health concerns and prevent disease outbreaks. Recognizing the need for long-term stability, the appeal also incorporates early recovery support to help individuals and communities rebuild their lives and livelihoods. These interventions will directly benefit those currently displaced, individuals preparing to relocate, populations in transit, and those newly settled in different communities across Syria.
Data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reveals the immense scale of displacement within Syria. Nearly 500,000 IDP returns were recorded in northwest Syria alone by the end of 2024. Prior to recent events, a staggering 7.4 million people were already displaced within Syria, with 2.3 million living in precarious conditions in camps. Across the entire country, an estimated 16.7 million people are reliant on humanitarian assistance to survive. The protracted conflict has tragically resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and forced millions to flee their homes, seeking refuge within Syria or in neighboring countries.
To ensure effective and targeted aid delivery, IOM is reactivating its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). This crucial tool will provide up-to-date assessments of needs and population movements throughout Syria. The DTM data will be instrumental in supporting the 2025 Humanitarian Programme Cycle led by OCHA, informing both immediate humanitarian responses and longer-term development planning. Establishing a robust IOM team within Syria, strategically located across key UN operational hubs, is also a vital component of this expanded effort, ensuring effective coordination and program implementation.
IOM’s ongoing operations within Syria have already provided significant support since December 2024, reaching over 80,000 individuals with essential winter relief items, 170,000 people with emergency WASH services, and 15,000 with multipurpose cash assistance. This expanded USD 73.2 million appeal, approximately 73 million euros, is critical to scaling up these life-saving interventions and addressing the immense humanitarian challenges facing Syria during this critical transition period.
Download IOM’s Flash Appeal for Syria
For more information, please contact:
In Cairo: Joe Lowry, [email protected]
In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, [email protected]
In Damascus: Amrien Al Suhail, [email protected]
In Ankara: Miko Alazas, [email protected]
