Japan Provides $5.5 Million to Improve Living Conditions in Syria Through the "Habitat" Program

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today, Sunday, the provision of a financial grant of $5.5 million to support the United Nations Human Settlements Program "Habitat", as part of its efforts to enhance living stability in Syria, especially in the areas most affected by the conflict.

The Kyodo News Agency reported that the ministry stated this step comes in response to the increasing number of returning refugees and the necessity to provide a safe and habitable environment, considering that improving living conditions has become an "urgent issue" amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.

According to the statement, the new project targets the cities of Aleppo and Homs, aiming to rehabilitate the basic infrastructure in poor and informal neighborhoods, including water, electricity, and sewage networks, in addition to providing safe housing for residents.

Japan is one of the prominent donors to humanitarian recovery efforts in Syria, having contributed more than $21 million since 2022 to support "Habitat" program projects, which work to improve the lives of vulnerable communities affected by the conflict.

According to the United Nations program, the new project will directly benefit more than 81,000 people, at a time when the Syrian interior is witnessing a gradual return of displaced persons and refugees, amid significant challenges in reconstruction and providing essential services.