Help Strengthen the Resilience of Syrian Refugees

When the Syrian crisis first began in 2011, no one could have been predicted that the conflict would last over a decade and subsequently force millions of Syrians into a cycle of poverty that would expand across generations. As the summer months of 2023 come to an end, the harsh reality is that there is no clear end in sight for this crisis.  

The outbreak of violence led to over 6.5 million Syrians seeking refuge in neighboring countries, the vast majority of them now residing in Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. Within Syria, over 11 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance. Concern Worldwide has been supporting those affected in Syria and refugees in the neighboring countries of Turkey and Lebanon since 2013, and in Iraq since 2019. Our teams on the ground continue to work tirelessly to address the needs of tens of thousands of Syrians affected by this complex and protracted crisis.  

Exacerbating an already terrible situation were the two catastrophic earthquakes and 1,600 aftershocks that struck Turkey and Syria in early February of 2023. As many watched their homes crumble, both Syrians living in their home country and as refugees in Turkey (which is currently the largest host community for refugees) were faced with another set of tragedies that further crippled their ability to lead sustainable lives on their own. Concern Worldwide immediately put an emergency response in placeto help as many people as possible affected by the disaster. 

The effects of the earthquakes that killed over 50,000 people added a whole new layer to the hardships faced by Syrian people,who were already struggling to rebuild their lives. Along with our partners, we conducted rapid responses in Syria and Turkey and provided shelter items, food assistance, water, sanitation,hygiene and protection services to be the greatest needs in the weeks after the earthquake hit.   

The grim truth is that even without the massive devastation brought on by two severe earthquakes, every winter has presented a new set of challenges to survive for Syrian people, with parents resorting to burning their own shoes while their children cry for warmth amid freezing conditions.  The impact of the long-lasting violence in Syria is so profound that it is being felt in four different countries. Host countries have become increasingly overstretched as they deal with the large influx of refugees in communities that are often poverty-stricken with limited resources. Our programs aim to ease pressures on countries that welcome and host refugees, build the resilience of refugees and expand access to settlements or offer complementary pathways.  

Nothing about the Syrian crisis is simple, and it remains the largest refugee crisis in the world even as attention paid to the crisis continues to stray and resources dwindle. This extremely complex, and long-lasting emergency requires a holistic and tailored response for effective programs to be implemented. Concern works diligently to address many of the needs left unfulfilled due to lack of infrastructure through our water, sanitation, and health (WASH) programs.  

The lack of clean water is one of the most pressing concerns because of the high risk of waterborne disease outbreaks such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. The situation is compounded by the disruption of sanitation services due to damage from the war and lack of funds for operations and maintenance of existing systems. Our WASH programs include water supply and sanitation rehabilitation, solid waste removal for environmental health, and vector control activities to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases. Our integrated approach to emergencies also helps to prevent the outbreak of disease through the distribution of hygiene kits and information to promote improved hygiene practices.  

In areas where there is a degree of stability, we are supporting communities to build economic security through agriculture assistance, including providing supplies and training. Other livelihoods trainings include vocational and technical skill building. Syrian families participate in our cash-for-work activities, including initiatives in displacement camps. Last year,restricted cash vouchers provided over 330,000 Syrians with greater dignity and freedom of choice in their purchases. As they selected the most important items for their priorities, they also were able to support struggling local markets.  

When essentials to survive like food, water and shelter become increasingly scarce, it becomes difficult to prioritize psychosocial needs.  Syrian children born after the onset of violence have grown up knowing nothing but crisis and conflict and continue to live through unimaginable hardships.Our protection program has reached children who have suffered from exposure to violence and/or experienced multiple displacements. Child-friendly spaces provide psycho-social support and a safe, caring environment for children to just be children.  

Over 25% of the total global refugee population are part of the global diaspora in the wake of the Syrian crisis. Many Syrian refugees depend on humanitarian aid as a lifeline, and a way to cope with a set of circumstances that have always been beyond their control.  

Concern will continue to respond to the increasing needs of displaced Syrians -- even as attention pivots to other crises around the world -- to help ease suffering, build resilience and provide some level of stability forthis fragile population. Even as the future remains unclear, we are committed to supporting the people of Syria affected by this protracted crisis, and we need as much help as we can get.