Syria Crisis - Support to the United Nations Department of Safety and Security 2014

February 2014 - The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate as a result of the civil war in the country. The United Nations estimates that more than 130 000 people have been killed with hundreds of thousands more wounded due to the violence. Within Syria some 9.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance 6.5 million of whom are internally displaced. In addition over 2.4 million Syrian refugees are registered and living in host countries in the region. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the impact of the conflict and host countries are increasingly overstretched by the influx of affected people needing assistance. With the support of DFATD and other donors the United Nations Department of Safety and Security is improving the safety and security of humanitarian workers and increasing their capacity to provide humanitarian assistance within Syria. This includes: (1) establishing and strengthening security at United Nations field-level hubs for humanitarian activities to ensure safe implementation of programs; (2) sharing security information to mitigate risks; (3) providing security advice and supporting materials for the humanitarian community; (4) supporting staff members in distress; (5) and improving security awareness.

The expected immediate outcome for this project is improved safety and security of humanitarian workers and activities. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.