Operations

2016 Plan Summary

By mid-2015, an estimated 12.2 million of the 22 million population of the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) have been affected by the conflict through: its impact on infrastructure, including schools and hospitals; the limited availability of medicines and basic commodities; lack of access to social services; and the deepening economic recession. This has left many exposed to a range of risks related to living in inadequate accommodation; limited access to healthcare, education and justice; loss of documentation; as well as the dangers of child labour and gender-based violence.

In 2016, UNHCR will maintain its inter-agency coordination role for protection and community services under the framework of the Strategic Response Plan (SRP), with the aim of responding to the impact of the armed conflict, general insecurity and human rights violations on the civilian population, and promoting measures to enhance the protection of internally displaced people (IDPs).  As lead agency for the shelter and non-food items sectors, the provision of core relief items will continue to be a major component of UNHCR’s IDP response. Assistance will be delivered both from inside Syria, as well as from the neighbouring countries of Jordan and Turkey. The Office is committed to strengthening coordination and communication amongst all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, local communities, and national and international non-governmental organizations, in line with the “Whole of Syria” approach.

Further, refugees in Syria have been severely affected by the crisis and currently face additional protection risks due to forced internal relocation. This often results in family separation, exposing children, women-headed households, the elderly and people with disabilities to heightened risks. Ensuring cash assistance to support refugees’ basic food and shelter needs and addressing vulnerabilities, will be priorities in 2016.