Country: Syrian Arab Republic Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached file. HIGHLIGHTSMore than 1,000 casualties, one third of them are children, have been reported since December 2024 due to remnants of war across Syria, with 414 people killed and 592 injured.Over 1.14 million people have returned to their areas of origin, including 523,100 people who were internally displaced before 27 November 20241.17 million people across Syria received assistance thanks to the cross-border humanitarian aid from Türkiye in May.3.4 million children under the age of five were vaccinated as part of the World Immunization Week.1,163 trucks carrying humanitarian aid from seven UN agencies have crossed from Türkiye into Syria since January 2025—six times the number during the same period last year.SITUATION OVERVIEWExplosive Hazards Continue to Threaten Civilians Across SyriaExplosive remnants of war (ERWs) and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) remain a serious and widespread threat to civilians in Syria. Since 8 December 2024, over 1,000 casualties have been reported due to explosive ordnance, including 414 deaths and 592 injuries. Alarmingly, children account for nearly one-third of all victims.In April alone, 104 accidents were recorded, 58 of them while people were cultivating land or tending animals - resulting in 34 deaths and 48 injuries.Deir-ez-Zor remains one of the most heavily contaminated areas, accounting for roughly a quarter of all explosive ordnance incidents. In April, 26 accidents were reported in the governorate, killing 20 people and injuring 21. Access to trauma care and rehabilitation services remains extremely limited due to damaged health infrastructure and funding shortfalls.The humanitarian community is calling for urgent support to expand risk education, professional clearance operations, and survivor assistance. This includes a $3 million project by the UN Mine Action Service aimed at clearing explosive ordnance and saving lives in the most affected areas.1.14 million Returns Amid Recovery ChallengesPopulation movements and renewed displacement continue in Syria. According to the latest data from the IDP Task Force (19 May 2025), over 1.14 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their areas of origin in Syria since early December 2024, with around 677,000 people displaced since last November, of whom 462,000 people newly displaced.As of 22 May 2025, UNHCR estimates that 507,672 Syrians have crossed back into Syria via neighboring countries since 8 December 2024, for a total of 868,512 Syrian individuals since the beginning of 2024.Departures from IDP camps continue, with around 400,000 people leaving camps in north-west Syria since December 2024. Damaged homes, inadequate services, and the threat of unexploded ordnance are key barriers to return. The fourth and fifth voluntary return movements from Areesha camp (in Al-Hasakeh) took place on 15 May and 18 May, benefiting 100 households (526 individuals) who returned to their areas of origin in Deir-ez-Zor. To date, 356 households (1,878 individuals) have departed from Areesha camp through either UNHCR-facilitated or self-organized returns.Local authorities are exploring options for the return of IDPs currently residing in north-east Syria including in Al Hol and Roj camps.The humanitarian community continues to engage with relevant authorities in both areas of departure and return to support planning and coordination efforts for safe, voluntary, and dignified return.