UNICEF: 6.9 Million Syrian Children Urgently Need Humanitarian Assistance

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said Wednesday that 6.9 million children in Syria are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, as the UN agency works with the Syrian government and local partners to rebuild child-support systems and restore essential services.

Speaking to SANA during an official field visit to Syria, Russell said her mission focused on reviewing UNICEF operations, strengthening technical partnerships and expanding institutional capacity to respond to the growing needs of children.

UNICEF Works To Restore Essential Services

Russell highlighted UNICEF programmes across Syria, including school rehabilitation, routine childhood immunisation campaigns and nutritional support for vulnerable families.

She also pointed to UNICEF’s technical assistance in reactivating the Jobar water pumping station in Damascus, which restored access to safe drinking water for more than 1 million people in the capital and surrounding areas.

Russell said access to quality education, primary healthcare, clean water, sanitation and formal schooling remains crucial to children’s well-being, development and long-term economic opportunities.

Focus On Returning Displaced Families

Discussing the return of displaced families and children to their home communities, Russell said the refugees and displaced people she had met expressed a strong desire to return.

She described facilitating voluntary returns as a critical priority while stressing the need to help state institutions support the reintegration of returning families, particularly children.

UNICEF’s work also includes vocational skills training and youth empowerment programmes, she said.

UNICEF Strengthens Cooperation With Syrian Authorities

Russell said UNICEF is using its global expertise and long-standing experience in Syria to support children across the country.

She said the organisation achieves its strongest results when working directly with national governments, which have the ultimate responsibility for their young populations.

Russell described UNICEF’s partnership with Syrian authorities as strong and welcomed continued cooperation in healthcare, education and child protection.

‘Enormous Potential’ For Syria’s Future

Russell said she had witnessed a strong sense of optimism and “enormous potential” across Syria.

She called for international partners to work together to create conditions in which children can grow and thrive, while reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Syria’s next generation.