A high-level UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) delegation expressed its admiration and appreciation for the Barzani Charity Foundation’s (BCF) ongoing humanitarian efforts in Western Kurdistan (northern Syria).

A high-level delegation from the UNHCR in Syria, led by James Karanja, visited the BCF office in the city of Qamishli on January 24, 2026, the BCF posted on X. 

During the visit, a joint meeting was held between the two groups, where discussions focused on the humanitarian situation in the region and the difficult conditions faced by displaced people.

The delegation also visited aid distribution sites and expressed their admiration and appreciation for the quality, organization, and effectiveness of the humanitarian work carried out by the BCF, commending the foundation’s efforts and dedication.

On January 22, 2026, the BCF successfully delivered a substantial volume of humanitarian

assistance to communities severely affected by displacement, the latest report of the BCF said on January 24.

“This operation represents a major logistical and operational achievement, demonstrating BCF’s unique capacity to reach hard-to-access and high-risk areas under extremely challenging circumstances – an endeavor few organizations are able to accomplish with comparable scale and efficiency.”

On January 22, 710 tons of relief items were delivered, transported by 67 fully equipped trucks to ensure timely and safe delivery. On January 24, 2026, an additional 47 trucks loaded with relief items were dispatched.

This comes amid the 15-day extension of the ceasefire between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syria’s Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday. There has been heavy fighting between the SDF and Syrian government forces since early January despite ceasefire efforts. The conflict has displaced thousands and led to the death of a large number of civilians and fighters.

According to the UN, at least 165,000 people have been displaced in the fighting that started in the city of Aleppo.

Kurdish local media reports suggest three villages near the besieged town of Kobani were attacked by Syrian government-linked forces on Sunday.

Furthermore, a UN envoy was supposed to arrive in Kobani on Sunday, but so far the UN aid convoy has not arrived.

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, President Masoud Barzani held a phone call with General Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the SDF.

During the call, the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments and changes, as well as the current situation in Syria and Western Kurdistan.