UN: Two-thirds of Syrians need aid as appeal remains barely 16% funded

Spokesperson Farhan told reporters that Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher warned nearly two-thirds of Syrians ' about 15.6 million people, mostly women and children ' require assistance this year.

Fletcher, quoted by the Spokesperson, said the current humanitarian appeal is “barely more than 16% funded,” with about $480 million received toward $2.9 billion requested. Farhan said that, almost halfway through the year, the shortfall limits the UN's ability to reach people despite improved access in many areas.

The briefing underscored that predictable and flexible financing is essential to scale up life-saving services and make full use of available access, the Spokesperson said. He also noted ongoing diplomatic engagement through Security Council discussions and the Deputy Special Envoy's planned return to Damascus to advance transition talks.

Why it matters: The funding gap leaves large-scale needs unmet across Syria, increasing risks to civilians, particularly displaced women and children, and complicating efforts to move from short-term relief toward more sustained recovery.

Supporting details: The Spokesperson cited Tom Fletcher's estimate of 15.6 million people needing assistance and the $2.9 billion appeal figure. Reporters asked about specific percentages for subsidiary appeals; the Spokesperson said he would follow up with the latest Somalia-funding figures for a different request.

Next steps: UN officials continue to press donors for more predictable and flexible funding and to work with partners to expand access where security and logistics permit.