World Vision urges immediate protection for children amid the alarming escalations in northwest Syria

• Approximately 24,300 children have been displaced due to the recent escalation of hostilities.

Amman, Jordan – International aid agency World Vision is gravely concerned over the recent escalation of hostilities in Northwest Syria. We urgently call for a cessation of hostilities and protection of all civilians, especially children. 

"We stand in solidarity with the people of Northwest Syria during this challenging time," said Emmanuel Isch, Response Director, World Vision Syria Response. "Immediate action is required to protect children and ensure they receive the support they critically need."

The situation is dire, with recent reports confirming multiple attacks, including shelling and airstrikes. Tragically, these hostilities have resulted in civilian deaths, including at least a dozen children, and left many others injured.

More than 48,500 people – nearly half of whom are children – have been displaced, according to UN reports. Shelling and attacks on schools, health facilities, places of worship, and other civilian infrastructure have severely impacted civilians, and have led to disruptions in humanitarian access and operations. Hostilities remain intense in areas such as Aleppo, Idleb, and Hama, with devastating repercussions for civilians and humanitarian personnel alike.

Vulnerable children and their families urgently need food assistance; access to health care and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) support; winter items, such as warm clothing, blankets, mats, and portable heaters; and mental health and psychosocial support services to address the growing needs of internally displaced persons.

World Vision is urgently calling for:

• Immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to International Humanitarian Law by all parties, ensuring the protection of all civilians and civilian infrastructure.
• Guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and protection of humanitarian workers to enable safe and unrestricted delivery of lifesaving aid to all affected populations.
• Urgently deploy adequate and flexible emergency funding to sustain essential and lifesaving services desperately needed by the affected population.

Notes to editor: 

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. 

Since the Syrian conflict broke out, World Vision began supporting vulnerable children and their families, assisting with basic needs provision to rebuilding homes and lives. World Vision is working across Syria, Türkiye and Jordan to support refugees and those who are internally displaced inside Syria as well as vulnerable host communities.

For media enquiries, please contact:       

Khuzaimah Jaber 

Communications and Advocacy Manager – World Vision Syria Response  

Phone: +962 796497569  

Email: khuzaima_jaber@wvi.org  

For more information, please visit www.wvi.org/emergencies/syria-crisis-response or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @WorldVisionSR