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The Humanitarian Crisis in Northwest Syria:

  • Currently, more than 3 million civilians are under threat in northwest Syria, nearly half of whom are children.
  • Doctors and humanitarian workers perform their duties under constant threat of targeting, while also lacking the necessary supplies and resources.
  • Since April 26, more than 700 civilians have been killed, including 175 children and 141 women, while SAMS facilities alone have received more than 3,500 injured. In addition, more than 330,000 civilians have been displaced, 20 percent of whom have already been displaced more than once.
  • There have been at least 40 attacks on health facilities during this period, including 14 facilities which had previously shared their coordinated with the UN as part of a formal deconfliction system
  • The international community is failing not only to protect innocent civilians and humanitarian workers, but to provide adequate financial resources to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the people are met.
  • Without action by the international community, the situation on the ground will only continue to worsen.

On July 22, a marketplace and other residential areas in Ma’arat al-Nu’man in southern Idlib province were subjected to intense air strikes, killing 54 civilians, and injuring many more. Sadly, SAMS hospital security guard, Mahmoud Qittaz, was among those killed in this attack on a local marketplace. He had just left work. Read our statement here. 

The Aladel siblings, Ahmad and Batoul, were among those severely injured in the attack. Unfortunately, their parents and newborn brother were killed, buried under the rubble. Ahmad and Batoul’s condition remains extremely critical. 

More than 3 million civilians, including 1 million children, are in imminent and mortal danger from the escalating violence in northwest Syria. In July, SAMS facilities received 1,515 injured civilians, including 220 children.

Since the beginning of the escalation on April 26, SAMS facilities in northwest Syria have received more than 4,000 injured civilians, including 827 children and 620 women.

How You Can Help

We continue to witness tremendous human suffering in northwest Syria on a daily basis. While the situation on the ground is worsening, the international community remains silent in the face of this humanitarian catastrophe.

We ask you to stand in solidarity with the people of Idlib in their time of greatest need. We urge you to show your support to pressure the international community to take immediate action to stop these crimes against humanity. 

This is a critical moment for U.S. leadership on the humanitarian crisis in Syria. We press Members of Congress to take action on the following:

  • Call on the Administration to prioritize immediate civilian protection in Idlib, and a commitment to upholding international humanitarian law, particularly as it relates to protection of humanitarian workers and facilities.
  • Make a floor speech about the need for U.S. leadership to resolve the Syrian humanitarian crisis. We call on all Members of Congress to make a floor speech about the humanitarian crisis in Syria, particularly in Idlib, and the urgent need for U.S. leadership in prioritizing immediate civilian protection, continued delivery of humanitarian assistance, and a renewed pursuit for a sustainable political solution to the crisis.
  • Continue to provide funds for humanitarian assistance in NW Syria. The US is the largest individual donor to the Syrian crisis, and its continued support in NW Syria is critical for providing life-saving assistance to civilians in need. Congress must continue to authorize and appropriate funds for this purpose, and should support and encourage the US governments continued leadership on Syrian humanitarian funding.
Here are some concrete steps you can take to help:
  • Call, write to, or meet with your Member of Congress. Find your Member of Congress’ and Senators’ contact information here. Call their office, and use these talking points to guide your message.
  • Organize events, vigils, or rallies on behalf of the people of Idlib – show them that they haven’t been forgotten. 
  • Write Op-Eds/ Letters to the Editor to submit to your local media. Write a letter to your local newspaper about the crisis in northwest Syria and mention the name of your Congressperson and/or Senator. 
  • Support SAMS medical relief efforts in northwest Syria by donating to our “Idlib Fund” today! Your contribution will ensure that no patient is left untreated in the face of this humanitarian catastrophe.
  • Raise awareness through social media of the current escalation and join the conversation on social media using these hashtags: #EyesOnIdlib & #NotATarget. 
Here are some sample tweets: 

This escalation of aerial attacks on southern Idlib and northern Hama has not spared medical facilities. Since April 26, 39 attacks on health facilities, 14 of which participated in the UNOCHA-led deconfliction mechanism have been documented. #NotATarget 

The humanitarian situation in Idlib is deteriorating daily, while the international community stands by watching. Since April 26, 718 people have been killed, including 175 children and 141 women. #EyesOnIdlib

39 attacks on health care facilities in northern Syria since April 26, 2019. Healthcare in Idlib is being systematically attacked, preventing civilians from accessing lifesaving care. #NotATarget 

Hospitals in NW Syria are struggling to respond to the growing number of injured civilians. Due to the escalation of attacks, many medical facilities have suspended their operations, while some are operating under a state of emergency. #EyesOnIdlib

Since late April, SAMS facilities in northwest Syria have received more than 3,740 injured civilians, including 827 children and 620 women. This month alone, SAMS facilities have received 749 injured civilians, including 83 women and 103 children. #EyesOnIdlib

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