Statement on the Protection of Civilians in Dara’a al-Balad, Syria

Sep 03, 2021

The situation in Dara’a in Southern Syria remains tense with many civilians encircled since 24 June. On 28 July, heavy and indiscriminate shelling and intensified ground clashes resulted in civilian casualties. Since then, more than 38,000 people – most of them women and children – have been displaced from Dara’a Al-Balad and reside with relatives and host communities and in six collective shelters. An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 families remain in Dara’a Al-Balad.

Humanitarian partners on the ground reported the dramatic difficulties in access to basic services, including protection services, due to ongoing insecurity and movement restrictions in Dara’a Al Balad. Major concerns have been raised over the impact of the violence and displacement on the most vulnerable, including women, adolescent girls and boys, children and people with disabilities, many of whom live in overcrowded shelters, leading to exposure to increased protection risks. The destruction of civilian infrastructure has further exacerbated needs.