6.7 million people in Syria are internally displaced, a third of whom lack proper shelter and live in damaged buildings, or public spaces like schools or tents. Ramesh Rajasingham, acting assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told council members online that "winter weather is proving to be incredibly hard for those without adequate shelter" or "basics like fuel for heating, blankets, warm clothes and shoes." To protect civilians, the UN official noted that some areas of the country that have been temporarily spared violence are now seeing its return, with significant consequences for their human rights and well-being. Citing "inconsistent" humanitarian access, the deputy relief chief maintained that devastated health facilities are being further impacted by gaps in medical assistance in northeast Syria. Humanitarian agencies throughout the country have collectively reached 7.4 million people with assistance each month "to stave off an even worse situation," he said.