Damascus, Aug. 24 (SANA) – The government of the Republic of South Korea launched Monday the second phase of its humanitarian assistance initiatives in Syria, worth $18.95 million, under the auspices of the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
The program, launched at a ceremony at the Golden Mezzeh Hotel in Damascus under the theme “Reviving Communities, Building Resilience, Moving Toward a Brighter Future,” is being implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Syria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Three initiatives to support vulnerable communities
According to a joint press release by the United Nations and the Republic of Korea, the program brings together three initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children, families and communities across Syria.
The initiatives will expand access to essential services, including education, health, nutrition and food assistance, while strengthening livelihoods and supporting early recovery and resilience.
UNDP will carry out debris removal, mine action, infrastructure rehabilitation and livelihood support in Aleppo, Deir Ezzorand Idlib provinces.
The program is expected to remove about 450,000 tons of debris, restore access to essential services and infrastructure and generate emergency employment opportunities, while promoting community dialogue and local recovery planning.
About 194,490 people are expected to benefit directly, with more than 1.2 million receiving indirect support.
Health, nutrition and food assistance
UNICEF’s contribution will seek to improve health, nutrition and education outcomes for at least 400,000 vulnerable children and women, particularly in hard-to-reach areas and communities hosting returning families across Syria.
WFP will support vulnerable households in meeting their food needs, providing 10,000 people with monthly cash assistance.
It will also provide life-saving treatment for malnutrition to 28,000 children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls.
More than 3.5 million Syrians return to their communities
Mohammad Bathish, head of the U.N. Cooperation Section at the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, said Syria has embarked on a difficult but hopeful journey from war toward recovery, reconciliation and sustainable development.
He said the objective is not merely to rebuild what was lost, but to build a stronger Syria that is more resilient and capable of prospering, noting that more than 3.5 million Syrians have returned to their communities since December 2024.
Acting U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria Nathalie Fustier said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Syrian people through humanitarian action and early recovery.
She said bringing together the expertise of U.N. agencies would help communities restore essential services, strengthen resilience and create opportunities for more sustainable recovery.
South Korean Ambassador to Syria, Gyusuk Geon, for his part, told SANA that the launch of the program’s second phase marks an important milestone and reflects his country’s firm commitment to standing alongside the Syrian people.
He said humanitarian assistance should go beyond immediate crisis relief by enabling people to rebuild their livelihoods, regain self-reliance and strengthen their communities’ resilience.
South Korea announced a $38 million package of humanitarian assistance projects for Syria in September 2025 during an official ceremony in Damascus.
A/Dh- MZN
