Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Syrians Return Amid Widespread Destruction and Violence

Syria faces an urgent humanitarian and recovery crisis as thousands of families return to their homes amid widespread destruction, while ongoing violence and displacement worsen conditions in the south.

Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), visiting Syria, emphasized the critical need for international investment in rebuilding homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Over 800,000 people have left displacement camps to return home, only to find their communities devastated with no basic services or jobs to support reconstruction. Egeland warned that without sustained aid, returns will stall and urged donors, including Europe, the US, and Gulf countries, to fund durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Meanwhile, the United Nations reports a dire situation in southern Syria following July’s sectarian violence that killed more than 1,600 people and displaced nearly 200,000. Clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes escalated with involvement from Israel and Syrian government forces before a US-brokered ceasefire on July 19. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented 452 civilians executed by government forces and ongoing ceasefire violations.

Humanitarian services are overwhelmed as some areas now host more displaced people than original residents. The International Committee of the Red Cross highlights severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic services, while insecurity and road closures hinder aid delivery. The UN’s emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, warned that only 14% of the 2025 humanitarian appeal for Syria is funded, with expected cuts potentially reducing humanitarian staff by 40%.

The UK has pledged additional funds to support healthcare, food, and clean water for displaced populations, but access challenges persist. Iran’s ambassador to the UN called for lifting sanctions, describing them as obstacles to humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and refugee returns.

Political instability continues as rebels led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, appointing Ahmed al-Sharaa as interim president. Minority groups such as Alawites, Christians, Druze, and Kurds demand decentralized governance, but the interim authorities reject these calls, accusing minorities of seeking to divide the country.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warned the Security Council that Syria remains deeply fragile and the political transition is precarious.