Thirteen years since its onset, the Syria crisis remains one of the world’s worst and longest humanitarian situations. In 2023, Syrians faced one of the worst years of this crisis, marked by a multitude of converging challenges that included ongoing hostilities, economic collapse, health outbreaks, natural disasters, climate-related challenges, mass displacement, food insecurity, and others. Coping capacities of households reportedly reached an all-time low and, despite increasing needs, there was a drastic reduction in humanitarian assistance due to funding shortfalls. 

As in previous years, women and girls were the worst off, suffering heightened risks of negative coping mechanisms and gender-based violence (GBV). Most women and girls experienced compounded forms of violence, while facing high barriers to access humanitarian assistance and specialised GBV services. 

This advocacy brief provides a snapshot of gender-based violence in Syria as the country prepares for yet another difficult year. The brief offers a closer look at affected populations, the types of gender-based violence taking place, and the risks of GBV in other sectors, in addition to a series of recommendations for donors, humanitarians, and GBV actors.