Help Strengthen the Resilience of Syrian Refugees

As Syria marked the somber milestone of thirteen years of conflict in March 2024, the urgency to address this crisis and support the affected population remains paramount. The plight of millions of Syrians underscores the ongoing need for concerted international efforts and sustained assistance to mitigate the profound impact of this enduring humanitarian catastrophe. Concern Worldwide remains steadfast in our commitment to address the humanitarian needs in Syria and neighboring countries and continue our response to the largest refugee and internal displacement crisis that the world knows today.  

The impact of this crisis is staggering. There are approximately 16.7 million people in Syria, and more than 70% of the population require humanitarian assistance to meet basic needs. Nearly 6.5 million people have fled Syria and are registered as refugees, while an additional 5.5 million have been internally displaced within the country, often multiple times. Over 2 million individuals now reside in informal settlements, struggling to access basic services such as sanitation services, clean water, and education. After more than a decade of conflict and economic hardship, the number of people in need continues to rise, with poverty perpetuating across generations.  

Concern Worldwide has been operational in Syria since 2013 and maintains a presence in neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Iraq, which collectively are home to over 7 million Syrian refugees. Our programs in Syrian refugee camps prioritize critical needs such as food security, livelihood support, gender-based violence prevention, education, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. These interventions are essential to alleviate suffering and provide a semblance of stability amidst ongoing turmoil. 

Last year, our programs in the northeastern region of Syria reached almost 290,000 extremely vulnerable people with food vouchers, temporary employment, and small business grants (as well as other interventions). We also addressed problems of access to safe, affordable, and reliable supplies of water by rehabilitating six water stations and eight water networks—which support a total of 204,000 people. 

Additionally, the communities in north-west Syria were deely affected by the earthquakes that occurred in February 2023 in Turkey and Syria, representing the most severe natural disaster in a century for the region. This unprecedented disaster affected 8.8 million people, including 3.7 million children, resulting in devastating loss of life and the destruction of thousands of homes. Concern responded within hours, distributing emergency supplies, and providing psychosocial support. A little over a year later, we continue to work with these communities in northwestern Syria and refugee camps on the long-term recovery efforts.  

The enduring crisis underscores the necessity of sustained humanitarian assistance. Faryal Minhas, Concern Worldwide's country director for Syria and Iraq, emphasizes the importance of ongoing aid: “The needs are huge and are increasing, there is support but there is not enough. Unless there is a political solution, the humanitarian assistance needs to go on. Even though there are many other disasters in the world that need donor and public support, please don't forget Syria.”