Middle East
Syria
With over 14.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, Syria remains one of the largest, and most complex, aid responses in the world. DRC began its work in Syria in 2008, supporting refugees from the conflict in neighbouring Iraq, and from 2012 has supported those millions of Syrians affected by the devastating conflict across their country.
Current situation
Despite a reduction in violence across much of the country since 2019, the situation that people in Syria find themselves in today is often more challenging than ever before.
Alongside the damage and complete destruction of vital public infrastructure (including schools, hospitals, and water networks), a multi-faceted economic crisis and the affects of climate change have left millions of families struggling to survive.
Prices of everyday essentials have skyrocketed and there are limited employment opportunities. With no political settlement to the crisis in sight, and a lack of justice mechanisms, a better future for the people of Syria seems some way off.
Core sectors Syria
Displacement trends
Source: | DRC Foresight
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Why we are there
The Syrian crisis is the largest displacement crisis in the world. Millions of Syrians have been displaced across international borders and within Syria there remain over 5.5m displaced people.
People’s homes have been heavily damaged and destroyed, and vital public infrastructure is not fully functioning.
Working with our country office in Damascus, DRC continues to support people in need, with a focus on communities affected by displacement.
As the economic situation worsens, many families find themselves with no option but to return to live in heavily destroyed areas, with a high risk of encountering landmines and other remnants of war.
What we do
Having a safe and secure place to live is a basic right, and one that provides dignity for families. DRC works to repair people’s homes so they have a safe and warm space to live, while also repairing community infrastructure including schools and water pipes.
In addition, DRC’s economic recovery programme aims to restore people’s opportunities to earn an income and develop their self-reliance.
Our protection programme additionally includes elements of mine risk education and clearance of mines and other ordnances, which is desperately needed across Syria.
DRC’s vision is to improve the safety, dignity, and resilience of conflict-affected populations by providing life-saving assistance and working towards sustainable long-term solutions. To that end, DRC continuously advocates for comprehensive and durable solutions for the displaced, and maintains UNHCR’s position that the conditions inside Syria are not conducive for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees to Syria.
Working in collaboration with
Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
UNHCR
Contact
Sachitra
Chitrakar
Country Director Syria