In an urgent call for international assistance, Education International (EI) and its member organisation in Syria, the Union of Teachers in Northeast Syria (UNTES), urged the United Nations and UNICEF to take immediate action in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Northern Syria. The appeal follows a series of violent military actions that have left civilians in the region vulnerable to abuse and displacement.
On 27 November 2024, armed groups, including Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-affiliated Syrian mercenaries, launched a devastating offensive in Aleppo and surrounding areas. The withdrawal of Syrian army forces without resistance has exacerbated the situation, leaving local populations, particularly Kurdish civilians, defenseless. Over 300,000 people in Aleppo and Tal Rifaat, including displaced populations from Afrin, are trapped in the conflict zone, facing grave risks such as arbitrary arrests, abuse, and harsh winter conditions.
The Syrian Democratic Forces have called for international help to open humanitarian corridors, but efforts to deliver aid are being obstructed by Turkish-backed groups. Local organizations are reporting severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and shelter, further compounding the crisis.
Additionally, the educational system in northern Syria is collapsing. Schools have been closed, leaving thousands of students and teachers without access to education. The Union of Teachers in Northeast Syria (UNTES) has highlighted the impact on the region's children, who are missing vital learning opportunities.
The humanitarian and educational emergencies demand urgent intervention. The organizations are calling for the following actions:
- Humanitarian Aid: Immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors; Enforcement of international laws to prevent abuse and violence against civilians, with monitoring and reporting on human rights violations.
- Support for Education: Restoration of damaged schools, implementation of alternative learning programs, and provision of training and psychological support for teachers.
- Psychosocial Services: Increased mental health support, particularly for children who are experiencing trauma due to the ongoing conflict.
The appeal stresses the importance of coordinated efforts from international organizations, governments, trade unions, and local communities to address the deepening crisis. It calls on the UN and its agencies like UNICEF to amplify their involvement and pressure conflicting parties to halt hostilities and focus on the protection and well-being of civilians.
The international community’s urgent action is crucial in alleviating the suffering of those affected by this devastating crisis and restoring stability to the region.