In a recent address to the UN Security Council, Tom Fletcher, the UN’s relief chief, painted a stark picture of the rapid developments in Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He described the last three weeks as “dramatic,” highlighting the severe humanitarian toll: over a million people displaced, hundreds of civilians killed or injured, including at least 80 children. With 13 years of war wreaking havoc on essential services, the country’s health and water systems are barely functional.
Despite these challenges, Fletcher pointed to glimmers of hope, noting that markets, roads, and schools are beginning to reopen in areas like Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus. Aid operations are slowly resuming, but Fletcher stressed that the humanitarian response must evolve to keep pace with the rapidly shifting landscape. He emphasized the importance of cross-border coordination and pledged to visit regions like Aleppo and Idlib to bolster collaboration with local actors and NGOs.
The UN relief chief also urged increased funding for Syria’s humanitarian needs, revealing that this year’s appeal for Syria—the largest in the world—remains underfunded. Fletcher echoed the urgency of international cooperation to ensure aid access, protect civilians, and clear landmines. He warned that while progress may be slow and fraught with risk, this moment offers a historic opportunity to help Syrians rebuild and hope for a peaceful future.
“Now is the moment to support the people of Syria,” Fletcher urged, as the international community faces a critical moment to act decisively and alleviate suffering.
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