The UN migration agency IOM has highlighted the need for continued humanitarian support for Syria. "We must stand with the people of Syria," the IOM's regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Othman Belbeisi, said in a statement following the 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' conference in Brussels which ended last week.

"The humanitarian needs remain high as millions of Syrians continue to live outside their home country, often relying on humanitarian aid to survive. Last year's tragic earthquake – while briefly spotlighting this ongoing crisis – only exacerbated an already fragile situation," Belbeisi continued.

"Sustained support is crucial to promote the self-reliance of displaced persons and socio-economic stability as well as ensure adequate access to relevant services."

Millions of Syrians still affected by war

According to the IOM, millions of Syrians continue to be affected by ongoing hostilities, water and food shortages, protection issues, and lack of access to basic services.

During the conference, the European Union committed 2.12 billion euros for 2024 and 2025, a sum which includes 560 million euros already promised for 2024 for Syrians displaced inside the country and in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, in addition to another 560 million euros pledged for 2025.

13 years of conflict have made Syria one of the largest humanitarian crises worldwide

The bloc also pledged one billion euros for Syrian refugees in Turkey, where almost four million people are living under temporary protection.

Stressing that 13 years of conflict have made Syria one of the largest humanitarian crises worldwide, EU humanitarian chief Janez Lenarcic said that on top of the five billion euros in grants, a further 2.5 billion euros was promised by donors in loans, according to the statement.

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Over 19 million Syrians in five countries

Overall, more than 19 million people across Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt require some form of humanitarian and development support, the IOM said. This figure includes almost six million refugees from Syria and other nationalities.

In Northwest Syria, the agency said it plays a critical role in delivering cross-border aid from Turkey, which remains a lifeline for affected communities. It called for long-term solutions to ensure humanitarian access to the region and enable it to continue its cross-border program.

The UN agency has appealed for 89 million dollars for its 2024 Crisis Response Plan for the Syrian Arab Republic, noting it will allow 2.1 million individuals to receive further lifesaving support. So far, the plan is only 13 percent funded, it noted.