The Catholic aid agency CAFOD is warning that renewed violence in Syria is putting stress on overstretched humanitarian resources.

Over 150 NGOs (non-government organisations) are urging the international community to do more to commit to a longer-term, sustainable recovery. 

Their call comes as EU officials gathered in Brussels this week for a conference on Syria and the surrounding region.

Fourteen years of conflict in Syria has devastated the country, with 16 million people – almost 70 per cent of the population - reliant on aid.  90 per cent live below the poverty line and more than half struggle to find adequate food. 

CAFOD says that immediate, strategic, longer-term action is needed to protect civilians and ensure communities do not remain trapped in “sticking plaster” emergency response cycles.  

Hombeline Dulière, Programme Manager for CAFOD’s Syria Crisis Response, said:

“Civilians are continuing to pay the highest price in Syria. Renewed conflict in coastal areas demonstrates how fragile the situation is.

“The cautious optimism four months ago following the fall of the Assad regime, could not have foreseen the unprecedented aid cuts that would follow.  Record-high needs and an increase in violence across Syria are putting stress on already overstretched resources.

“Syria’s recovery requires a sustainable approach to aid, to enable Syrians to rebuild their communities, foster resilience, and create self-reliance.

“International players must support a peaceful transition with meaningful inclusion of civil society, women, and diverse Syrian communities - and investment in infrastructure to help rebuild and restore essential service provision.”