Scaling up in Syria: Opportunities, Potential Pitfalls & Mitigation Measures

After nearly 14 years of devastating civil war, which forcibly displaced over 12 million people and claimed more than 600,000 lives, Syria stands at a pivotal moment of transition following the fall of the Assad regime. This juncture offers hope for recovery and stability, but it also brings complex challenges that require a coordinated, inclusive, and principled humanitarian response.
On 16 December 2024, the IASC Principals endorsed a Systemwide Scale-up to intensify humanitarian efforts, marking the third such activation in Syria’s history. Central to the effectiveness of both the Scale-up and early recovery is Syria’s vibrant civil society, which has demonstrated exceptional resilience, leadership, and operational capacity throughout the conflict. Their inclusion in decision-making and resource allocation is vital for both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
Equally vital to success is the active engagement of the international community in fostering the enabling environment for a principled and effective humanitarian response and early recovery.
Drawing from learnings from previous Scale-ups and consultations with ICVA members and NGO networks, this paper identifies opportunities and potential pitfalls to the Scale-up. It also proposes mitigation measures to ensure a principled and effective response and early recovery for Syria.
Click on the below link to read the paper.