The crisis in Syria has now entered its 14th year and remains one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. To shed light on the evolving situation, we spoke with Stefanie Gross, Senior Protection Coordinator with UNHCR...

In 2024, UNHCR faced numerous challenges, responding to 43 emergencies, including conflicts, climate disasters, and disease outbreaks. With 91% of its workforce in the field, UNHCR provided critical aid and protection to millions of displaced people.

In the Middle East temperatures can drop below 0°C, in Afghanistan down to -15°C, and in Ukraine -20°C. Far from home, with limited resources, these families face yet another brutal winter, enduring freezing nights and harsh conditions. 

Recent developments in Syria are raising hopes for peace and reconstruction. After more than 14 years of conflict, Syria has an unprecedented opportunity to move towards peace, with its people beginning to return home.

“Displaced women, children and men are dying of hunger, malnutrition and disease. This is a clear indication of the fragility of people forced to flee, many of them multiple times over”, stated Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan situation, in the beginning of August. 

UNHCR's mission is to provide lifesaving support and safeguard the rights of people forced to flee. This includes refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers, stateless individuals, and returnees.