Since the escalation of hostilities in late September, over 285,000 people, predominantly women, children, and people with disabilities, have fled from Lebanon into Syria. The UN estimates that up to 480,000 people will be affected by the influx, with 400,000 expected to cross into Syria and around 80,000 impacted in host communities. Most of those fleeing Lebanon are being hosted by Syrian families, with 40 hosting centers set up in several governorates. Both new arrivals and host communities are receiving support through non-food items and cash-based interventions to maintain these hosting arrangements, while services and livelihood programs aim to foster social cohesion and early recovery.
UNFPA is actively responding to the needs of women and girls, focusing on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) protection. Its response involves two phases: immediate support at border points with life-saving protection services and referrals, followed by continued assistance for displaced populations and host communities through mobile health and protection services. UNFPA is distributing dignity kits and providing psychological support, while also addressing SRH and GBV risks through established facilities and mobile teams across the country.
To meet the urgent needs of displaced women and girls, UNFPA requires $7.5 million, including $2.8 million for SRH and $4.7 million for GBV programmes. This is part of the broader Inter-Agency Flash Appeal for Syria, which seeks $324 million to support 480,000 affected people over six months. With critical funding gaps and stretched resources, UNFPA is working closely with partners and authorities to ensure coordinated, life-saving support across Syria.
