While marking the start of the deadly conflict that tore apart so many lives, this week millions of Syrians continue to cling to cautious hope that stability may return following the fall of Assad’s regime in December 2024. However, humanitarian needs remain immense and the recent shocking violence in various parts of the country threatens their fragile peace.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Syria remains one of the world's most complex humanitarian emergencies. There are 16.5 million people in need of assistance, and severe funding shortages have crippled response efforts, with only a third of the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan funding needs met.
The economic situation is dire, with nearly 90% of the population living in poverty. Across all governorates, the lack of public services and bank withdrawal limits, capped at less than 50 USD per week, are severely impacting people’s purchasing power and the humanitarian response. Access to electricity remains a major challenge even in major cities, with many areas receiving less than two hours of electricity per day.
Deepmala Mahla, CARE’s Chief Humanitarian Officer, said:
"The Syrian people have endured unimaginable hardships for 14 years, and the country is still in the throes of a total economic collapse and a protracted displacement crisis. The situation remains volatile and millions of people continue to live in overcrowded displacement sites, with limited access to essential services such as clean water, healthcare, sanitation, and electricity. The specific needs of women and girls are also being overlooked due to the severe funding constraints forcing humanitarians to prioritise the most basic needs like providing bread and water to vulnerable communities.”
Fourteen years of conflict have created one of the world’s worst displacement crises, with millions of Syrians facing extreme hardship. Over 13 million Syrians have been displaced, with more than half of whom are internally displaced, living in overcrowded camps and informal settlements, often described as ‘last-resort sites’.
Warda, 43, a mother who was displaced from Idlib in 2019, said:
"My village is in ruins. There is nothing left that would make it fit for our return, and we are afraid of the remnants of war and landmines,” said “Those who stayed behind tell us there are no schools, hospitals, or health centers left. We have no choice but to live in this tent. Despite everything, I hold onto hope that better days lie ahead."
Sami, a 62-year-old displaced person from Homs, adds:
"Where can we go? The area I used to live in is completely destroyed. I visited my village after the regime fell and found only ruins: no house, no electricity, no water, no basic services. At least here in the camp, we have some kind of shelter and electricity."
At this pivotal moment, the international community must respond effectively to the needs of the Syrian people. Increased financial support, including to Syrian organisations, and coordinated efforts are essential to address the humanitarian crisis and support early recovery and resilience efforts. Donors should prioritise multi-year flexible funding for programs that restore services, strengthen markets, create jobs and provide inclusive skills trainings to entrepreneurs, particularly women, to reduce aid dependency and foster long-term systemic change.
David Macdonald, CARE Syria Country Director, said:
"CARE urges international donors to mobilize flexible emergency funding to help us scale up the humanitarian response to address the urgent needs of the Syrian people and support early recovery and reconstruction efforts that are now needed more than ever to help Syrians in their pursuit of a better future for themselves and their families.”
CARE's work in Syria
CARE is committed to providing humanitarian assistance and support to the Syrian people. Through our programming, we aim to alleviate suffering and promote recovery and stability in the impacted Syrian communities. Since 2013, CARE has been working in Syria in partnership with local organisations to provide emergency assistance to displaced and vulnerable people and support the restoration of livelihoods.
CARE and our partners also support access to clean water and sanitation, including the repair of water stations, latrines, distribution of soap and hygiene kits, and waste management. Women and girls affected by the crisis receive protection through specialised programmes including mobile units providing sexual and reproductive health services, psychosocial counselling, and financial support.
Media enquiries
For all media enquiries, please contact Zaina Alibhai on alibhai@careinternational.org
