World Vision urges immediate protection for children amid escalations of violence in northwest Syria

AMMAN (December 5, 2024) – Global Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has expressed grave concern about the recent escalation of hostilities in northwest Syria and issued an urgent call for the cessation of hostilities and protection of all civilians, especially children.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of northwest Syria during this challenging time,” said Emmanuel Isch, director of World Vision’s Syria response. “Immediate action is required to protect children and ensure they receive the support they critically need.”

The situation is dire across Idleb and Aleppo, with recent reports confirming that multiple attacks, including shelling and airstrikes, have resulted in dozens of civilian deaths and over 160 injuries, with women and children accounting for two-thirds of the injury toll.

Over 48,500 people — more than half of them children — have been newly displaced since November 26, according to U.N. reports. Shelling and attacks on schools, healthcare facilities, displacement camps and critical infrastructure such as water supplies have severely impacted civilians and led to disruptions in humanitarian access and operations in a region already distressed by prolonged conflict, displacement and socioeconomic collapse.

While some World Vision projects have been temporarily paused due to the instability, World Vision’s staff in northwest Syria continue to deliver fuel, ready-to-eat meals, emergency hygiene kits, and blankets at six reception centers.

Vulnerable children and their families urgently need food aid; access to healthcare and clean water; shelter and items for protection from winter conditions, such as warm clothing, blankets, mattresses, and heating materials; and psychosocial support services.

World Vision is calling for:

• The cessation of hostilities and adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties, ensuring the protection of all civilians, especially children.
• Unhindered humanitarian access and protection of humanitarian workers to enable safe and unrestricted delivery of lifesaving aid to all affected populations.
• Deployment of adequate and flexible emergency funding to sustain essential and lifesaving services desperately needed by the affected population.

Since the conflict in Syria began in 2011, World Vision has been supporting vulnerable children and their families throughout the region with basic necessities such as healthcare, emergency food, shelter repair kits and clean water, as well as resources to help them rebuild their lives, such as psychosocial services and livelihood support. World Vision is working across Syria, Türkiye and Jordan to support displaced Syrians as well as vulnerable families within their host communities.

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X, formerly known as Twitter, @WorldVisionUSA.