A/HRC/22/59 Annex III [English only] Socioeconomic and humanitarian situation 1. The conflict in Syria is increasing in intensity and severity, particularly in major urban centres. It further exacerbates pre-existing long-term poverty and unemployment and directly impacts the ability of Syrians to realise their economic, social and cultural rights.a The onset of severe winter conditions, coupled with a growing displaced population and the increasing difficulty in delivery of humanitarian relief — including food and medical supplies and fuel — was cause for grave concern. With regard to livelihoods, vast areas of agricultural land have been destroyed in recent fighting leading to increased food insecurity.b In urban centres, the risk of epidemics and diseases is compounded by the destruction of civilian facilities and infrastructure, including housing, medical facilities, schools, power and water utilities. 2. Market distortions have led to sharp price increases in basic commodities, including for bread. During the past four months, inflation has reached unprecedented levels, exceeding 50 percent.c Despite the commission’s recommendations to the contrary, the sanctions regime remains intact and coping mechanisms among the general population and particularly communities hosting IDPs, are collapsing, leaving those trapped by and fleeing the conflict in appalling conditions. The hostilities prevent people from accessing basic necessities including food and water. The commission also documented Government targeting of food sources, such as bakeries. 3. The Syrian crisis presents a highly challenging humanitarian operational environment, given the proliferation of armed actors now operating inside Syria, the severe constraints on humanitarian access, the escalating security risks and attacks against humanitarian staff,d the urban context in which much of the fighting takes place, and the widespread human rights violations perpetrated. The impact of the crisis is felt in particular in neighbouring countries. The scope and scale of the conflict has increased significantly and continues to negatively affect and destabilise the region. There is an urgent need for all sides to enable such access, as well as to ensure a UN presence in the humanitarian field. 4. Protracted armed violence has led to thousands of internally displaced Syrians and others fleeing in increasing numbers to neighbouring countries. As of 6 January 2013, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that 2 million people had been internally displaced. By 21 January, there were 671,262 Syrians registered as refugees or awaiting registration, in five neighbouring countries and North Africa a b c d 42 The Syrian Arab Republic has ratified the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights. The Syrian constitution moreover attributes importance to economic and social rights, providing for the rights to health (articles 46 and 47) and education, part 3 (articles21–26 and 38). Only 5% of farmers reported fully harvesting crops OCHA, Syria Humanitarian Bulletin No. 16, 7 January 2013, page 4. ACAPs disaster needs analysis, 22 December 2012: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/syria_conflict_december_2012.pdf. Eight UN staff and 7 Red Cross workers were reported killed in 2012. GE.13-10627