Syria - Coordination Meeting Minutes, 9 July 2026

Content

1. Cash Working Group (CWG) follow- up Updates

The Cash Working Group (CWG) provided an update on the transition to the Syrian Pound, noting that the gap between the official and parallel exchange rates has narrowed significantly to around 6%. Government measures, including the pricing of fuel and gas in Syrian Pounds, have contributed to improved market stabilization, while liquidity constraints and exchange-rate trends continue to be closely monitored. The CWG also briefed partners on its engagement with the Central Bank and relevant authorities, where discussions focused on liquidity, exchange-rate volatility, procurement challenges, and the operational implications for humanitarian actors.

The CWG clarified that local procurement must continue to be paid in Syrian Pounds, while international procurement remains exempt and may still be paid abroad in USD. The issue of humanitarian access to more favourable exchange arrangements was raised with the Central Bank and authorities; however, exemptions for local foreign-currency transactions are not currently supported, as policy remains focused on strengthening the Syrian Pound. Exchange-rate impact surveys and analysis have been completed and shared with donors, and the CWG will continue tracking transfer values, market conditions, and operational impacts, while disseminating regular guidance and updates through coordination mechanisms.

For more information, partners should contact the Syria CWG co-chairs via jomah.alqasem@un.org, ammar.altaee@wfp.org and melturk@oxfam.org.uk.

2. Humanitarian Access Working Group Updates

Situational update

Humanitarian operations across most parts of Syria continue without major access disruptions, allowing regular programming and assistance delivery to proceed. Access coordination with relevant authorities remains ongoing, particularly for transshipments to Hassakeh, Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zor, where MOFA clearances are still required. Expansion of humanitarian activities into previously hard-to-reach areas continues without major access issues. However, limited functional crossings, UXO contamination, unclear UXO mapping, and limited clearance capacity remain key operational constraints. Localized insecurity continues to cause occasional delays or postponing of activities, but no major access restrictions affecting entire areas were reported. Overall humanitarian operations continue to function despite isolated incidents. 

Operational Procedures Guide (MOFA)

The HAWG engaged with the International Cooperation Department (ICD) of MOFA regarding the draft operational procedures guide. Humanitarian partners raised concerns related to emergency response modalities, legal frameworks, and the distinction between humanitarian, recovery and development programming. The ICD confirmed that the procedures guide remains a draft ("pilot edition") and will continue to be revised based on feedback from humanitarian partners. ICD representatives are expected to be provided at governorate level to facilitate humanitarian programming and operations. 

HAWG products update

Two key documents were developed and shared with humanitarian coordination structures: a post-engagement report on HAWG discussions with ICD, and an Emergency Humanitarian Response Activation Protocol. Feedback from coordination bodies was requested before moving toward endorsement and implementation. The HAWG is finalizing several analytical products, including an access snapshot for northeast Syria and the quarterly Access Monitoring and Reporting Framework snapshot. These products are based on partner reporting and are intended to support advocacy and trend analysis. Partners were encouraged to report access constraints through the AMRF platform, as the information is used for engagement with authorities and donors, advocacy efforts, and identifying humanitarian access trends across Syria. 

Shipment approval delays to eastern governorates

Partners raised concerns about delays in obtaining MOFA approvals for shipments to eastern governorates. The HAWG noted that approvals take two days but can be delayed during periods of high government workload and encouraged partners experiencing significant delays to engage directly with the Access Unit for support. Contact the OCHA Access Unit via ocha-syria-access-unit@un.org

3. Logistics Sector Operational Updates

• The Logistics Sector finalized a Best Practices for Importation and Customs Clearance Guide covering medical supplies, food, NFIs, and telecommunications equipment. The Guide will be circulated among partners soon. 
• Recent market analysis highlighted rising fuel and gas prices, with partners encouraged to consider the impact on logistics and supply chain costs. WFP VAM market assessment is available at WFP Syria Monthly Market Price Bulletin, May 2026 - Issue 137 - Syrian Arab Republic | ReliefWeb
• Results of the Humanitarian Warehouse Capacity Survey have been published, including information on available warehouse and cold-chain capacity across Syria. 
• The Logistics Sector updated partners on available WFP On-Demand Services, including storage, transport, customs clearance support, procurement assistance, and logistics training. 
• A successful cargo train shipment from Latakia Port to Adra was reported, highlighting potential future opportunities for rail freight in Syria. 
• The Logistics Sector will update the consolidated vendor list and continue work on the logistics capacity assessment for partner use. 
• The successful UNHAS test flight to Deir Ez-Zor was noted, with flight operations tentatively expected to resume around 20 August following airport rehabilitation. Status updates of key infrastructure can be followed on LOGIE here.

4. AOB

No additional comments were made in the meeting.

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