Syria Earthquake Response – Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2023

February 2023 – The humanitarian situation in Syria deteriorated significantly following powerful earthquakes that struck Syria and Türkiye on February 6 and February 20. The UN estimates that at least 8.8 million people in Syria have been affected by the earthquake with the majority anticipated to need some form of humanitarian assistance in the coming months. In Syria pre-existing large-scale humanitarian needs further complicated the response severe access constraints for humanitarian aid and weak infrastructure from over a decade of armed conflict. The Syria Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are existing pooled funds that mobilize multi-sector emergency response allocations based on partner presence and capacity. With GAC’s support the CBPFs releases emergency funding for the earthquake response to agencies operating in Syria. Project activities include: (1) providing needs-based assistance in line with priorities in the emergency flash appeal for Syria; (2) increasing operational response capacity and coverage through diverse partnerships with non-government organizations; and (3) improving timeliness effectiveness and efficiency in implementing life-saving activities in Syria.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased alignment of funding to areas of operational priority in line with the Flash Appeal; (2) increased operational response capacity and coverage through diverse partnerships with non-government organizations; and (3) improved timeliness effectiveness and efficiency in implementing life-saving activities in Syria The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are facing acute food insecurity.