Millions of Syrians Face Severe Food Insecurity

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Millions of Syrians are grappling with severe food insecurity, the World Food Program (WFP) warned, as economic hardships continue to plague the war-torn country. 

According to WFP Director Cindy McCain, nearly three million Syrians are suffering from acute hunger, posing a serious threat to Syria’s fragile path to recovery.

McCain emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solutions, stressing that WFP is committed to stabilizing food security for Syrian families and steering them toward economic stability. 

Her warnings echo concerns raised by WFP’s Regional Director Corinne Fleischer in January, who noted that poverty and hunger remain widespread, affecting a significant portion of Syria’s population.

UN Report: Syria’s Economy Could Take Over a Decade to Recover

A recent report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) underscored the long-term economic challenges facing Syria. 

The report estimated that the country would require at least a decade to regain its pre-war economic levels, assuming strong and consistent growth. However, it warned that if the current sluggish growth rate of 1.3% persists, economic recovery could take more than half a century.

The UNDP further highlighted the dire socioeconomic conditions, stating that nine out of ten Syrians live in poverty, while one in four is unemployed—figures that illustrate the prolonged impact of the conflict on livelihoods.

EU to Suspend Sanctions on Syria Next Week

Against this backdrop of economic hardship, sources in Brussels confirmed that the European Union is preparing to suspend sanctions on Syria in key sectors, including banking, energy, and transport. The formal decision is expected to be made during a meeting of the 27 EU foreign ministers on Monday, following a preliminary agreement reached in January.

The EU’s decision aligns with efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction following years of conflict and the toppling of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. However, EU officials have maintained that the sanctions could be swiftly reimpose if Syria’s new leadership fails to uphold human rights and democratic values.