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Rights, Safety, and Dignity Must be Fully Upheld

REPORTS - 30 day ago

UNFPA Urges De-escalation in Syria and Strengthens Support for Vulnerable Populations  

South Eye | Report - Exclusive

As Syria enters its 14th year of conflict, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is calling for an urgent de-escalation of hostilities to prevent further violence, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Years of war have left millions displaced, with women, girls, and young people facing immense challenges in rebuilding their lives. In western Syria, a young woman reflects on the uncertainty of the future, expressing a simple yet profound hope: "We are dreaming of a secure future."  

The conflict has taken an especially heavy toll on women and girls, who often bear the brunt of displacement, economic instability, and gender-based violence. Access to healthcare, including maternal and reproductive services, remains limited in many areas. UNFPA continues to work with local partners to provide critical support, including safe spaces, psychosocial assistance, and medical care, but ongoing violence threatens these efforts.  

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire, even amid a fragile ceasefire. An estimated 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers are struggling to survive in makeshift shelters and tents, exposed to harsh weather conditions and lacking essential medical care. Many are unable to access hospitals or clinics due to damaged infrastructure and restricted movement, increasing the risks of complications during childbirth. UNFPA is working to provide emergency obstetric care, distributing hygiene kits, and ensuring that midwives and healthcare workers can continue their life-saving work. However, logistical challenges and funding constraints make it difficult to reach everyone in need.  

Beyond active conflict zones, UNFPA is also focusing on long-term recovery and empowerment programs. In the Central African Republic, where gender-based violence remains widespread, safe spaces supported by UNFPA offer survivors the opportunity to rebuild their lives. One initiative, a computer-training program, equips women and girls with digital skills, providing a pathway to financial independence and a sense of stability after experiencing violence and displacement. These programs are critical in helping survivors regain confidence, secure employment, and break the cycle of dependency.  

Despite these efforts, the challenges remain immense. Protracted conflicts, humanitarian access restrictions, and funding gaps continue to hinder aid delivery in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. UNFPA’s work underscores the need for sustained international support, not only to provide immediate relief but also to invest in long-term solutions that empower women and young people to shape their own futures.  

As the global community looks toward addressing these crises, the voices of those affected remain a powerful reminder of what is at stake. Whether in Syria, Gaza, or the Central African Republic, the need for peace, stability, and access to essential services is urgent. UNFPA continues to advocate for policies that prioritize the protection and well-being of women and girls, emphasizing that true recovery can only begin when their rights, safety, and dignity are fully upheld.