Syrian Children Miss School as Thousands Flee Renewed Fighting in Aleppo
Aleppo, 25 January 2026
Education becomes the first casualty as renewed hostilities in Aleppo displace tens of thousands of families, leaving children without access to schooling during traumatic circumstances.
Ceasefire Collapses as Tensions Reignite
The fragile peace that briefly settled over northern Syria crumbled on 19 January 2026, when fighting resumed between Syrian Government forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) despite a ceasefire and “full integration agreement” announced just one day earlier on 18 January [1]. The breakdown came after talks aimed at implementing a March 2025 agreement to integrate the SDF into state institutions failed to advance [1]. Clashes quickly spread beyond Aleppo into Al-Hasakeh governorate and around Ayn al-Arab, known locally as Kobane [1]. The violence has created what UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari described as an “alarming humanitarian and protection crisis” [1], with particular concern for the thousands of children caught in the crossfire.
Massive Displacement Across Multiple Governorates
The renewed hostilities have triggered massive population movements across northern and northeastern Syria, with displacement patterns reflecting the strategic importance of key urban centres. In Aleppo alone, tens of thousands of civilians fled SDF-controlled neighbourhoods as fighting intensified [1][2]. The displacement crisis extended far beyond the city limits, with over 13,000 people fleeing Ar-Raqqa governorate by 18 January 2026 [1][2]. In Al-Hasakeh, the situation deteriorated rapidly, with the number of internally displaced persons increasing by approximately 129,000 individuals in just three days - from 5,725 recorded on 18 January to over 134,000 by 21 January [3]. This dramatic surge represents concerns about potential clashes between SDF and government forces, particularly among residents living near SDF prisons and military headquarters [3]. An estimated 41,186 displaced persons are currently residing in collective centres in Al-Hasakeh, urgently requiring food, shelter, multi-purpose cash assistance, and essential non-food items including mattresses, cooking utensils, blankets, and lighting [3].
Educational Infrastructure Under Siege
The conflict has devastated Syria’s already fragile educational system, with schools bearing the brunt of infrastructure damage and service disruption. Fighting has forced hospital closures and prevented many children from attending school across affected areas [1]. In Aleppo specifically, recent violence has directly impacted educational facilities [2]. The situation reflects a broader pattern recognised by humanitarian organisations: education consistently ranks among the first services lost when families are forced to flee conflict zones [4]. This educational disruption compounds existing challenges in Syria’s education sector, where maintaining quality learning remains difficult even in stable conditions. The timing of the conflict, occurring during the academic year, has particularly severe implications for children’s educational continuity and psychological wellbeing during already traumatic circumstances.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Winter Conditions
The humanitarian impact extends beyond immediate displacement, with winter weather exacerbating already dire conditions for vulnerable populations. Heavy snow and extreme cold have affected approximately 160,000 people living in camps, damaging shelters and contributing to the deaths of two infants [1][2]. The fighting has severed access to clean water for many communities, whilst some hospitals have been forced to close entirely [1]. These service disruptions particularly affect children, who require consistent access to healthcare and nutrition during displacement. At Al-Hol camp in Al-Hasakeh governorate, which houses tens of thousands of people including family members of suspected ISIL fighters, security concerns initially prevented UN teams from accessing the facility on 21 and 22 January 2026 [1]. However, by 23 January, UNHCR successfully accessed the camp alongside Syrian Government officials, re-establishing contact with residents and resuming essential supply deliveries including bread trucks after a three-day interruption [5][6]. Water trucking services organised by UNICEF and facilitated by UNHCR were also restored, helping to partially restore basic services for the camp population [6].
Long-term Educational Consequences for Refugee Children
The current crisis in Syria highlights a global challenge facing refugee education, where access to learning opportunities diminishes dramatically during forced displacement. According to USA for UNHCR, globally only 9% of refugee youth have access to higher education, underscoring the long-term consequences of educational disruption [4]. The organisation emphasises that whilst education is often the first service lost during displacement, the desire to learn endures among refugee populations [4]. This educational gap has profound implications for Syria’s recovery prospects, as the country has already seen nearly three million refugees and internally displaced people return home during the post-Assad transition period [2]. However, with humanitarian funding severely constrained - the UN and partners received only one-third of the needed $3.2 billion in 2025, reaching just 3.4 million of the targeted 10.3 million people monthly [1] - educational services remain critically underfunded. The current displacement crisis, occurring as Syria attempts to stabilise after years of authoritarian rule, risks creating another generation of children whose educational development has been severely disrupted by conflict.