The humanitarian crisis in Syria has reached alarming levels, with over half of the population now facing food insecurity. This dire situation is a consequence of 13 years of civil war, the recent political upheaval following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime, and a significant influx of returnees. A recent report from the Food Security Cluster, a UN-led coordination group, highlights that approximately 14.5 million people in Syria are food insecure, with 9.1 million experiencing acute food insecurity and 5.4 million at risk of hunger.
The report, released on January 25, underscores the pressing need for humanitarian assistance as the country navigates a complex political transition. Rola Dashti, the executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, described the current phase as a “critical juncture.” She emphasized that Syria must either move toward reconstruction and reconciliation or risk descending into further chaos. The stakes are high, not just for Syria but for the entire region, as food insecurity, crumbling healthcare systems, and widespread displacement threaten to exacerbate an already precarious situation.
The recent political changes have not brought the relief many hoped for. Following the December 8 takeover of Damascus by a coalition of opposition groups, including Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, the country has plunged into new uncertainties. While the ousting of Assad was seen as a potential turning point, it has also led to increased violence and instability. Recent clashes have displaced around 1.1 million people, primarily in Idlib, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama, further straining the already fragile food systems.
The Food Security Cluster’s report attributes the surge in food insecurity to the lawlessness that has emerged in various regions, particularly in northeastern and southern Syria. Looting of warehouses and damage to agricultural infrastructure have disrupted planting seasons, creating logistical challenges that hinder aid access. Currently, about 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line, and approximately 16.7 million require humanitarian assistance. Without immediate and substantial international support, these needs are expected to grow.
To address the crisis, the Food Security Cluster has estimated that $560 million is needed for a three-month emergency response aimed at providing food assistance and livelihood support. However, funding remains insufficient. Cindy McCain, director of the World Food Programme, has noted that some governments are hesitant to increase support under the new interim leadership in Syria. Despite promises of economic reform from the interim government, including privatization and public sector job cuts, the challenges are immense. The country’s economy has contracted by 64 percent since the war began in 2011, and the Syrian pound lost nearly two-thirds of its value against the US dollar in 2023, driving consumer inflation to an estimated 40.2 percent in 2024.
Experts like Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, attribute the regime’s collapse to economic failure. He highlights the dire conditions faced by government employees, with salaries as low as $30 a month for army officers. Although the new government has increased wages significantly, many public servants have not been paid for months, exacerbating the hunger crisis.
Residents of Damascus report a paradox where, despite a drop in food prices, many cannot afford basic necessities. The price of a bundle of subsidized bread has skyrocketed from 500 to 4,000 Syrian pounds since the regime’s fall. The influx of foreign goods, while welcomed, does little to alleviate the struggles of families who cannot afford even basic items like sugar or fruit.
The implications of Syria’s hunger crisis extend beyond individual suffering. McCain has warned that the situation poses a national and regional security threat. If the interim government fails to implement necessary reforms, it risks facing growing opposition. Protests have erupted across the country, with demands for justice, improved public services, and greater representation for various sects.
The regional ramifications are equally concerning. Landis notes that a poor and hungry Syria will continue to produce refugees, which could destabilize neighboring countries. The UN has cautioned that without a stable transition, the hunger crisis will worsen, and reliance on aid will persist. Achieving stability requires inclusive governance, credible transitional justice, and stronger institutions to build public trust.
As Syria stands at this critical crossroads, the international community’s response will be pivotal. The need for coordinated efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, coupled with political and economic reforms, is essential to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The future of Syria hinges on its ability to navigate this tumultuous period, and the consequences of inaction could reverberate far beyond its borders.