In the early hours of 6 February 2023, multiple earthquakes, the strongest being of 7.7 magnitude, struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria, creating a disaster of colossal proportions. Since the two devastating earthquakes, nearly 17,000 aftershocks occurred until March 13. In addition to leaving hundreds of thousands of people, mostly women and children, without access to shelter, food, water, heat, and health care, the emergency is further compounding the risks of gender-based violence.

The catastrophic consequences of the earthquake have been exacerbated by the severe weather conditions that have affected north-west Syria and Türkiye over the last week. The heavy rain and floods that struck the region are having a serious humanitarian impact on people’s lives, health, and access to services, particularly those living in reception centres, camps, informal settlements, or on the street.

UNFPA has issued two appeals to fund its responses in Syria and Türkiye, with a combined total ask of $44.5 million. The International Donors’ Conference, Together for the people in Türkiye and Syria, will be taking place on 20 March in Brussels.

UNFPA calls on the international community to focus on leaving no one behind and to support humanitarian and recovery efforts on building resilient SRH services and prevention and response mechanisms for all forms of GBV, including child and forced marriage.