Cross-Border Operations

Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, millions have been displaced. In 2024, 3.4 million remain displaced across Idleb and northern Aleppo, while 4.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

In 2014, IOM Türkiye started its Cross-Border Programme with a focus on the procurement, storage, shipment and distribution of lifesaving humanitarian relief items in Northwest Syria (NWS). Since then, IOM’s Cross-Border operations grew to include humanitarian activities in eight different sectors. IOM is currently active in five – (shelter, non-food items (NFI) and operations, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), protection, and early recovery and livelihoods – and previously worked in three – camp coordination and camp management (CCCM), health and food security.

In addition to the distribution and installation of tents, IOM’s cross-border shelter team has distributed and installed thousands of dignified shelter units in NWS. Adopting a holistic approach through the response, IOM’s shelter projects are implemented in conjunction with WASH activities, including installation and rehabilitation of water networks, sewage lines and construction of sceptic pits, alongside hygiene promotion and hygiene kits distribution.

IOM’s NFI/Operations team spearheads the procurement, transshipment and distribution of NFIs across NWS to support the most vulnerable households living in protracted displacement.

NFI activities are carried out through two main channels: the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) and Single Source Procurement (SSP). The RRM addresses both the ongoing and rapid onset emergencies, the latter of which is facilitated through its Quick Release modality. The success of the program relies on the commitment of local partners operating within NWS to respond in a timely manner. These partners play a crucial role in delivering essential aid to beneficiaries, encompassing various kits such as NFI, winterization, shelter repair, hygiene and new arrival kits, as well as tarpaulins and kitchen sets. In parallel, through the SSP, IOM supports key designated partners in the pre-positioning and distribution of tents and NFI kits across a number of locations in NWS.

IOM provides early recovery and livelihoods (ERL) assistance in order to foster the resilience of affected populations. Adopting a community participation and ownership approach, IOM helps beneficiaries move towards self-reliance and includes the rehabilitation of key basic services as identified with communities.

IOM’s protection team reaches out to thousands of people in need of protection support with specialized and community-based protection services. The overarching objective of IOM’s protection programming is to contribute to fulfilment of needs and upholding rights of displaced persons and conflict-affected populations in NWS, regardless of age, gender, disability, or social status. This entails gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection (CP) prevention and response services, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and legal advisory services provided in dedicated community centers and through mobile outreach teams working across NWS.

IOM works with implementing partners in NWS to ensure that standards and protocols are followed during the implementation of all its activities.