Syria crisis ECHO CRISIS REPORT SYRIA CRISIS SITREP N 22 Period covered 08/03/2013-08/04/2013 1. Map Time of validity 12:00 (UTC) ECHO Field Office Damascus - SYRIA Number of people affected 6 million (UNOCHA) Number of refugees and/or internally displaced persons (IDPs) > 1 million refugees in neighbouring countries (UNHCR) 4 million IDPs (SARC/UN) Number of dead > 80,000 (OHCHR) Number of wounded (source) N/A 2. ECHO Recommendation / action It is critical that Syria's neighbouring countries maintain strict open border and non-refoulement policies to ensure that all vulnerable Syrians seeking refuge abroad receive appropriate support. In neighbouring countries a coherent and prioritized response to support the most vulnerable populations in need should be supported by a reinforced role of the humanitarian coordinators at country and regional levels. ECHO Emergency Contact Tel.: +32 2 29 22222 Fax: +32 2 29 90525 echo-mic@ec.europa.eu In Syria, the general degradation of the security inside Damascus requires the rapid implementation of humanitarian hubs in Homs, Tartous and Qamishli, as possible substitutes to the current set-up, centralized in the capital city. The possibility of a presence in Aleppo should be further explored as well. Since the sustainability of an international presence on the ground is threatened, it would be useful for aid agencies to share their contingency and business continuity plans and to explain how they plan to preserve their capacity to deliver and the quality of their operations in case security further Page 1 of 7
deteriorates. The opposition is gaining ground in many areas. It has a duty to demonstrate its ability to guarantee safe humanitarian access on the ground. While more and more humanitarian personnel and assets are suffering from increasing violence, all parties to the conflict must commit to take the necessary measures to ensure safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the vulnerable populations under their control. In Jordan, funding limitations to meet basic needs are becoming a major concern that requires refined targeting, prioritization of needs and the mobilization of all available sources of funding. Security in the Zaatari camp continues to worsen with frequent riots, demonstrations, criminality, exploitation and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues. Growing tensions have developed in the north between refugees and host communities due to competition over scarce employment opportunities, and increasing rental costs. Creating income generating schemes for both Syrians and Jordanians is becoming a priority. In Lebanon so far no common position has been agreed by UN agencies on the definition of vulnerability. A profiling exercise needs to take place without delay to support the recommendations of the new Regional Response Plan (RRP5) to be released late May. Ideally, this exercise should allow prioritizing the needs and suggesting preferred assistance modality. Donors are encouraged to support standardized assistance, harmonized approaches and to promote targeting. More and more spontaneous temporary settlements are turning into semi-permanent dwellings, which is fueling tensions with local communities and creating the conditions for long-lasting precarious living conditions (including poor sanitation, limited access to water and dwellings in floodable areas). The authorities need to clarify the way forward to initiate the establishment of proper camps. UNHCR and the main health partners need to review their current health strategy in order to adapt to the growing needs of an increasing number of refugees. Primary health care needs to be made more cost effective. The pressure on the secondary health care level needs to be reduced. Adequate management of chronic diseases at primary health care level should allow reducing the number of complications that require hospitalisation. In any case, primary health care should be made accessible for everyone geographically and financially. In Turkey, while thousands of Syrians remain stranded on the Syrian side of the Turkish border, experiencing very harsh living conditions, the alleged deportation of 500 Syrians following riots that had taken place in Akcakale camp end of March underlines the precarious situation of Syrian refugees. In Iraq, the Al Qa im border point into central Iraq remains closed for Syrian refugees despite advocacy efforts for open borders allowing vulnerable people to seek refuge. In addition the last weeks have witnessed a decrease in refugee numbers as refugees opt to return to Syria. In Iraqi Kurdistan (KRG) the only refugee camp in Domiz remains critically overcrowded. 3. Situation In Syria, the past month has been the bloodiest since the beginning of the crisis. In Damascus, the intensification of mortar shelling (including in locations where aid agencies are based) has led to the decision to relocate 50% of UN international staff outside the country, reducing their number to approximately 50. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) have chosen not to further reduce their presence, already very limited. Page 2 of 7
In Aleppo, Raqqa, central Homs as well as in many other locations, the opposition has gained control of strategic neighborhoods. More and more allegations are reported denouncing sectarian violence or encouragement from Islamic armed groups to specifically harm certain minorities. In many cases, civilian populations are besieged within neighborhoods affected by bombardments and urban fighting. The violence is increasingly harming humanitarians: either directly (kidnapping of international aid workers, attacks against humanitarian convoys, looting) or indirectly (including mortar shells falling inside the hotel compound where the UN have regrouped in Damascus, heavy fighting outside Damascus preventing aid agencies to access their main warehouses and areas of operation, stocks being damaged by bombardments). According to the UN, 55% of the 520 ambulances of the country are out of order. In areas such as Aleppo, ambulance services have simply stopped as movements of medical personnel have become too hazardous. Several areas have been deprived of humanitarian aid, either because of the violence of the conflict or due to mere denial of access: this has been the case for a long time in Der Ezzor; it is now, also the case in Daraa that can no longer be accessed by road from Damascus. On the battle field, the opposition has gained significant ground in several parts of the country. In addition to the North that is now largely controlled by opposition armed groups, fighting is taking place in and around the largest cities such as Aleppo or Damascus. In Southern Syria, the opposition is believed to be almost completely in control of large portions of territory along the border with Jordan, to the extent that the question of supporting the creation of a buffer zone in Southern Syria was debated in parliamentary sessions in Jordan. In Jordan, military gains by Syrian insurgents along the Syrian-Jordan border have placed the Jordanian army on high alert to prevent a spill-over of the conflict. On 24 March, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) announced the seizure of a 30 km swathe of land southwest from Daraa to the Golan Heights. Two days later the FSA claimed to be in control of the Jaber/Naseb border crossing point, and on 3 April to have seized a military base in the outskirts of Deraa, among other important territorial gains. An increasing number of male Syrian refugees have reportedly left Zaatri camp to take part in the decisive battle of Deraa. At the same time, the intensification of the fighting in Deraa area is encouraging refugees to cross the border further east, near the Iraqi border. Recent military developments in Southern Syria have revived the idea of the creation of a buffer zone along the border, on the Syrian side. The proposition was put forward by some deputies during the special sessions of the Parliament. In the absence of a UNSC resolution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the idea. The number of Syrian refugees in Jordan is expected to reach up to 1.2 million by the end of 2013 according to the UN's new working figures, which would represent almost one fifth of the Jordanian population and create massive pressure on Jordanian s already overstretched capacities and resources. In Lebanon, the recent resignation of Prime Minister Najeeb Mikati on 22 March is symptomatic of the increasing political volatility in Lebanon. Newly appointed PM Tamam Salam will have to prepare the country for the upcoming parliamentary elections of June. More and more new arrivals are heading towards the Bekaa valley as a result of Akkar being saturated and the high cost of living in cities such as Tripoli. Lebanon currently hosts 403,766 Syrian nationals, among whom 35% are waiting for registration. This figure is already largely exceeding the planning figures of the UN of 300,000 refugees by June 2013. New planning figures mention more than one million refugees would be added in Lebanon by the end of year (25% of the Lebanese population): a vulnerable population that adds up to some 37,000 Palestinian refugees from Syria, 60,000 Lebanese returnees, 400,000 migrant workers and a large number of very poor Lebanese households. Page 3 of 7
Turkey hosts 293,761 Syrian refugees, 33,260 of whom are waiting for registration. The number of registered refugees has increased approximately by 27 % since the beginning of the year. In Iraq, 119,000 out of the 126,440 Syrian refugees are staying in KRG. The border point into central Iraq (Al Qa im) remains closed, only exceptionally allowing for emergency medical cases or family reunifications to pass through at a rate not higher than 3 cases per day. Despite this, the refugee population in Al Qa im is decreasing and had last come down to 7,230 people registered in the two camps. The main reason for this is the voluntary return of Syrians, who cite as motives, restriction of movement and lack of livelihood opportunities in Al Qa im. Syrian refugees of Kurdish origin continue to flee to the three governorates of KRG, namely Dohuk, Erbil and Suleimaniyah. According to UNCHR reports the daily average number of Syrian refugees crossing into KRG is about 800 people and the only camp in KRG, Domiz camp, continues to be critically overcrowded. Technical missions have been conducted to assess two new potential sites in Erbil and Suleimaniyah with a capacity to host up to 25,000 individuals. 4. Aid and assistance required / needs assessment In Syria, the UN have revised their working figures and are now considering that up to 6.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, among whom more than 4 million are displaced. While many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been direct victims of the fighting, more and more cases of human rights abuses are reported including gender based violence and forced enrolment of children in armed groups. Extra-judicial killings and torture are reported on both sides. In addition to the widespread insecurity, the lack of fuel is limiting supplies of electricity, including in medical facilities. In many areas such as Hassakeh where fighting is on-going, the population lacks most basic items such as bread and fuel for cooking, power cuts are almost permanent, and the communication network has been out of service since 17 March 2013. UNHCR has started relocating its activities to Qamishli. One third of the public hospitals are out of service. Those remaining operational lack personnel, drugs (anesthesia, antibiotics, serums, essential drugs) and have sporadic access to electricity. Large number of allegations of arrest and abuses against patients and medical personnel continue. In some medical facilities patients have allegedly been refused access on sectarian or political grounds. Access to safe water is a growing concern. On average, 25 liters of water are available per person and per day (against 75 before the conflict). The partial destruction of water networks forces affected people to seek alternative sources of water that are often not properly treated. The development of waterborne diseases (Hepatitis A, Typhoid) is even more concerning at an early stage of the year when temperatures are still low. In Jordan, 64,360 out of the 404,739 Syrian refugees are waiting to be registered. The authorities estimate that Jordan is hosting 470,000 refugees. The influx of refugees has slightly declined compared to the month of February and early March 2013 with an average of 1,200 arrivals a day. In Zaatri camp the registration number has exceeded 180,000. However, the number of people who collected their food ration during the last WFP distribution was 103,000. UNHCR is now present during the de-registration of bailed-out families from the camp. It is expected that the problem of duplication of distribution cards will be reduced soon through the faster deactivation of the cards of those leaving the camp. UNHCR is also negotiating to be present during the registration of refugees by the military upon entering into Jordan. Page 4 of 7
The government s cabinet authorized the opening of the Al Azraq camp where infrastructure works for a planned capacity of 50,000 people are expected to be completed within a month. The long announced opening of Hallabt camp (current capacity of 5,500 and expandable) has not materialized yet. Meanwhile, security remains the main concern in the overcrowded Zaatari camp. A security cordon around the camp was established in March, limiting movements in and out of the camp. Protection issues, including GBV, early marriages, exploitation of unaccompanied minors, are on the rise. Some families have installed rudimentary latrines inside tents due to the fear of women and girls of going to the toilets during the night. Riots and demonstrations are often ignited by single men wanting to go back to fight in Syria. Shelter remains the top priority for host communities with the increasing rents in the north that have pushed prices from an average 50 JoD to 150-200 JoD a month. In Mafraq, some evicted Jordanian families who could not pay their rent anymore have set up a spontaneous IDP camp. Tensions with the host community are also on the rise due to the competition for the scare employment opportunities, with Syrians accepting lower wages for jobs usually done by Jordanians. An increase of persons with disability (PWD) among the new arrivals has been reported. The capacity to assist PWD at the reception centers is insufficient. In general, access to health care services is becoming an issue inside and outside the camps, with increased reports of medicine shortages and reduced consultation times. In Lebanon, more than fifty spontaneous settlements have developed, mainly in the Bekaa. Refugees are living in very poor conditions: installed in floodable areas, with often deplorable sanitary conditions, with little access to water. Tensions with municipalities are developing. For a lack of alternatives, more refugees in the tented settlements are preparing for a long stay. These spontaneous temporary settlements are starting to turn into semi-permanent settlements and might become informal camps at a later stage, with the approaching dry season. A clear governmental strategy and approach towards these settlements is fundamental for a better adapted humanitarian response. With regards to health, the huge increase in refugee numbers since the beginning of 2013 has put enormous strain on the already overstretched partner operations, mainly through UNHCR and its medical partners. They need to review their current health strategy in order to adapt to the growing needs of an increasing number of refugees. Primary health care needs to be reviewed so as to be more cost effective and to reduce pressure over the secondary health care level. Adequate management of chronic diseases at PHC level should allow reducing the number of complications that require hospitalisation. In any case, primary health care should be made accessible for everyone. 5. International response In spite of an unprecedented effort to mobilize donors (Kuwait Conference), the current level of funding does not cover one third of the required amount specified in the Response Plans. All funding instruments need to be mobilized to address a catastrophic humanitarian situation that could potentially destabilize the whole region. At the same time, the planning exercise initiated by the UN to prepare revised versions of the Syrian and Regional Response Plans to be released end of May needs to propose stronger targeting criteria (vulnerable groups, most affected areas, most critical sectors of intervention) to ensure that in spite of limited funding, the most critical needs are addressed in priority. In Syria, while the situation is getting increasingly volatile inside Damascus, a number of successful missions in areas traditionally out of reach, including areas immediately affected by the current violence or under opposition control, took place over the past weeks. Paradoxically, during these Page 5 of 7
difficult times, some areas that had not been deemed accessible for a long time have been reached again. ICRC delegates could visit and stay in Aleppo for the first time since July 2012, and in Der Ezzor for the first time since June 2012. Following failed attempts to reach areas located south of Damascus, the UN managed to organize a joint mission to Aleppo from 30 March to 2 of April. This mission was launched after the relocation of 50% of UN staff. In general, however, access is more and more restricted. The constant deterioration of security would logically require bringing relief items immediately to the other side of the borders. While the authorities have authorized to bring aid through official border crossing-points, agencies are still required to bring these items to Damascus or Safita first for quality check and packaging, while all these procedures could be handled abroad. By imposing such a process, the Syrian Authorities are further exposing aid workers and humanitarian convoys to on-going insecurity. Allowing agencies to bring relief items immediately from Lebanon to Homs or from Jordan to Daraa, or from Iraq to Der Ezzor is critical to deliver substantial aid. In Southern Syria, this necessity is even more obvious that aid convoys cannot anymore access Daraa from Damascus. The World Food Program continues to increase its beneficiary caseload (2 million individuals including 500,000 in opposition held areas) but is expressing growing concerns for the acute needs of people beyond reach. In spite of the scale of these operations, rations distributed are insufficient to cover needs and are often split among several families. WFP activities require $US 19 million per week. More and more actors that could not get the authorization to provide much needed humanitarian assistance, such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for instance, have developed activities without the consent of the Syrian authorities. MSF repeatedly requested permission to operate, to no avail. It has nevertheless been running three hospitals in opposition-held areas in Northern Syria. Similarly, many more humanitarian organizations have been providing essential services to vulnerable populations throughout Syria in order to cover growing gaps left by a deteriorated security environment and persistent constraints imposed on humanitarian access by the Syrian Arab Government. In Jordan, funding shortages to meet basic needs is a major concern. Only 19% of UNICEF appeal has been covered. WFP could only secure funding to cover food needs in the camp until end of June and its voucher program until the end of May. In Lebanon, while registered refugees are able to access subsidized services, vulnerable Lebanese are not, which is fuelling tensions among communities. Support to the Lebanese authorities from development donors should be encouraged and readapted to provide rapid support to the vulnerable local host communities. UNHCR has increased registration capacities and could process 10,000 extra cases in March. Two additional centers in central Bekaa and in Beirut helped accelerate the process. One additional new registration center is scheduled to open early April in Tyr. The waiting period to be registered has decreased to 27 days. The Government of Lebanon did not take any decision regarding cash transfer support modalities. An advocacy plan was brainstormed last week among various humanitarian organizations to be perused and put forward to the Government. 6. On-site coordination mechanism In Jordan, the Public Security Department (PSD) that took over the camp management from the Jordan Hashemite Charity Foundation (JHCO) reports directly to a new unit Syrian Refugee Camp Directorate, under the Ministry of Interior. The new OCHA structure has initiated regular humanitarian information meetings with the participation of the Donors, UN agencies and NGOs. Page 6 of 7
7. Other information OVERVIEW OF EU HUMANITARIAN AND CIVIL PROTECTION RESPONSE TO DATE (FINANCIAL AND IN KIND, ON THE BASIS OF EDRIS 2011-2013) EU Member States and ECHO contributions to unrest in Syria as indicated in EDRIS 2011 2013 * Donor Commitments in EDRIS Total (cash and in-kind) Details of In-kind (Assistance) Main items Austria 3,730,000 130,000 Belgium 7,500,000 Bulgaria 295,874 Czech Republic 1,176,358 Denmark 3,421,997 Estonia 420,000 France 18,664,068 2,268,000 Finland 8,097,418 250,000 Germany 71,533,525 4,000,000 Greece 100,000 Hungary 179,067 27,429 Ireland 6,300,000 Italy 6,899,511 698,950 Latvia 43,000 Lithuania 14,481 Luxembourg 3,878,739 Netherlands 21,950,000 Poland 1,629,187 Romania 155,850 Slovakia 190,000 70,000 Slovenia 60,000 Spain 4,705,852 Sweden 16,130,271 United Kingdom 85,540,592 1,108,914 Total Member States 262,615,790 8,553,293 EU** 200,000,000 Total EU 462,615,790 8,553,293 * The most recently announced funding allocations by EU Member States are not yet reflected in the above-mentioned table. ** This amount includes an allocation of 6 million for Iraqi refugees in Syria and 3.3 million for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Page 7 of 7