Syrian Arab Republic

The UN estimates that 6.8 million people are internally displaced in Syria, some of whom have been displaced multiple times. Syria also hosts some 18,500 refugees and asylum-seekers, mostly Iraqis living in urban areas primarily in and around the capital Damascus.

The 12-year-long crisis combined with the indirect impact of the Ukraine conflict, the financial crisis in the region, and COVID-19 have exacerbated the economy of Syria. High levels of inflation make basic goods and services unaffordable for many people.  Prices have increased more than 800 per cent in the last two years alone. A total of 12.1 million people are estimated to be food insecure. The February earthquakes, which affected around 8.8 million people, further worsened the situation.

UNHCR Syria works with 29 partners, including government ministries, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national NGOs, and UN agencies, and operates eight field offices covering all 14 governorates. In the context of the inter-agency coordination framework in Syria, UNHCR leads the ‘Protection and Community Services’ and ‘Shelter and Non-Food Items’ sectors, together with the relevant line ministries.

UNHCR provides protection assistance and services to internally displaced people, returnees, refugees, asylum-seekers, and host communities, with a focus on promoting self-reliance and solutions.

Additional information

For information about our work in the Syrian Arab Republic:

• For legislation, case law and UNHCR policy relating to claims for international protection, visit Refworld.