UN supports transition from humanitarian to development in Syria
Syria is at a critical juncture that requires a combination of the continuation of the humanitarian response and the strengthening of development work, in light of the return of large numbers of people and the rise in humanitarian needs, two high-ranking UN officials said.
This came during a press conference in New York in which UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo and UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher participated via video, following a joint visit to Damascus and meetings with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and government officials.
1.6 million people return
De Croo explained that more than 1.6 million people returned to Syria during the past year, which led to increased pressure on housing, services and job opportunities, stressing that the provision of these services is essential to ensure continued returns, warning that their absence may push some to reverse their decision.
He pointed out that needs inside Syria are changing, which calls for a gradual shift in international funding from emergency humanitarian response to support for development programs, stressing that humanitarian assistance will remain essential in the next phase.
Losses of $190 billion
De Croo revealed that there are government plans to clear mines and ensure that no one stays in the camps within one year, stressing that the implementation of these plans requires broad international support, and he also presented an economic analysis stating that the war has caused a decline in the development path by a year and a half and economic losses of nearly $190 billion, in addition to pushing more than four million people to displace and seek refuge in Arab countries.
16 million Syrians in need of support
For his part, Fletcher stressed that some 16 million people in Syria are still in need of assistance, noting the importance of demining and accelerating the humanitarian response in parallel with the transition towards a long-term recovery.
The UN is working to strengthen co-ordination among its agencies through joint planning, improving supply chains, and supporting local actors to increase the efficiency of aid delivery, he said.
He stressed the need to respect international humanitarian law, protect relief workers and prevent them from being attacked during their work, noting that the regional escalation is reflected on neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, which has witnessed new waves of displacement.
Syria announces recovery priorities
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, in cooperation with UN organizations, launched on Thursday the Recovery Priorities Statement and the Humanitarian Response Plan for 2026, identifying four main areas, including the restoration of critical infrastructure, the resumption of basic services, the strengthening of social and economic resilience, the reconstruction of public institutions, as well as the removal of mines and remnants of war.
Qutaiba Kadeish, director of the international cooperation department at the ministry, said Syria welcomes the new plan and its commitment to coordinate with state institutions and respect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said the joint visit by Fletcher and De Croo was the first of its kind to combine the pillars of humanitarian and development action at the UN, reflecting a move towards a more integrated approach to international support.
Kadiz stressed the importance of continued humanitarian support to meet urgent needs, calling on international partners to align their funding with national priorities and strengthen local systems, ensuring a gradual transition towards an inclusive recovery.