UN-HABITAT Syria Regional Crisis Response

Publisher: UN Habitat

Date: 2014

Countries: Syrian Arab Republic

After more than two years of intense fighting, the conflict in Syria has claimed over 100,000 lives and has injured another 575,000. An estimated 6.5 million people are displaced within Syria, while an additional 2.2 million have fled to neighbouring countries. While a political solution may emerge, most actors acknowledge that the crisis will remain protracted.

Countries within the region have responded generously, opening their borders and their homes to shelter Syrian refugees. There are signs of strain, however, particularly at the municipal level. Many of the 84 percent of Syrian refugees are found within host communities in urban areas, where they are closer to livelihoods, health care and education. In 2014, municipal support in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq will be critical to help stabilize an increasingly fragile situation.