The humanitarian situation in northwestern Syria
According to IDP Sites integrated Monitoring Matrix (ISIMM) dashboard for June 2022 for Northwest Syria, there are 1.8 million people living in transient locations including camps, collective shelters, and reception centers. They live in 1,436 sites scattered in both Idleb and Aleppo governorates, 79.44% of them are women and children composing 340,000 families and having 71,000 individuals among them with special needs.
IDPs living in camps are more susceptible to be affected from the current harsh economic situation. In March 2022, the regional Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (SMEB) was recorded to be 591,258 SYP (156 USD), which represents a 12% increase since February because of the worldwide rising prices. Fluctuations in fuel prices have also contributed to higher food prices.
Need Assessment
The needs of people in northwest Syria (NWS) increased during the winter season. Anticipated snowstorms, cold weather, strong winds, rain, and floods are expected to have a serious humanitarian impact on people’s lives.
Despite an improved security environment, the deteriorating economic situation, compounded with the implications of COVID-19, has led to further intensification of the severity of the need for NFI support
Unaffordability is the primary driver of need, with 67 percent of the camp’s population according to HNO report 2022, reporting that they are unable to afford NFIs available in the marketplace, including fuel (heating & cooling), adult clothing, and winter heaters. Such items are crucial to ensure the well-being of the most vulnerable, particularly during harsh winter seasons, when access to basic NFIs is considered lifesaving.
According to NHO 2022, 42% of people who lives in camps are expressing their urgent need for winterization support. Need Assessment
The early preparation for winter season has the ethical perspective in responding to winter harsh conditions, unlike a lot of interventions that come as a response to the disaster.
The project is considered a lifesaving intervention in winter season, as there are multiple deaths reported each year due to lack of preparedness.