Ramya* (29) stands in front of her tent, trying to secure its edges for fear of a storm that will cause rainwater to leak inside, “Rain and wind have become like a horror movie for us. Like a horror movie, honestly, when I see clouds I get depressed. I get depressed because I'm afraid of floods and of staying up all night trying to get water out of all sides."

Syria

Why are we in Syria? Protracted conflict has led to destroyed infrastructure, lost education, vulnerability to natural disasters and disease, and mass displacement. Since 2013, Concern’s programmes in Syria have been helping those affected by this crisis, as well as addressing the needs of new emergencies. This includes responding to cholera outbreaks, flooding, and the devastating February 2023 earthquake. We also support Syrian refugee communities in Iraq and Lebanon.

Syria is both the world’s largest refugee and internal displacement crisis

Since the onset of its civil war in 2011, Syria has become the source of the world’s largest refugee population, as well as the largest group of internally-displaced persons (IDPs). Over 60% of the country’s pre-war population have been uprooted, with over 5 million displaced abroad (mainly in neighbouring countries like Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq). Inside Syria, there are over 7 million people who have been forced to leave their homes — many multiple times over. The humanitarian need remains high and extends beyond displaced Syrians, with 16.7 million people in the country requiring assistance in 2024.

The ongoing violence has all but eliminated Syria’s middle class, destroyed infrastructure (especially water and sanitation), driven high inflation rates, led to multiple generations missing out on their primary educations, and created a hunger crisis for over 12 million Syrians. While peace is long overdue, it also won’t spell the end of the crisis.

»Learn more about the crisis in Syria

Latest achievements

Earthquake response

The 2023 earthquake in Syria and Türkiye impacted an estimated 16 million people across both countries, with more than 55,000 lives lost and nearly 130,000 people injured. Concern continues to support people impacted by the earthquake with shelter items, food assistance, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and protection services.

Cash assistance

Education support

Hani (name changed) writing on blackboard in school

Despite the tough times, Hani loves going to school. He learns, plays with friends, and really enjoys reading. Photo: Ahmad Hbood/Concern Worldwide

Kafya was forced to flee her home when the area where she is from came under fire amid the Syrian conflict. Photo: Gavin Douglas/Concern Worldwide

Reem* (30) prepares food for her husband Jaafar* (32) and her children inside their tent in the Ahl al-Khair camp, Syria.

Most of those who went through the February 6th 2023 earthquake and were subjected to the collapse of the buildings in which they lived fear a repeat of that disaster, so they accept tent life despite its difficulty, but they need appropriate support to be able to build their decent lives again. (Photo: Ali Haj Suleiman/DEC/Fairpicture)

Jaafar* (32) walks with his children on the muddy roads of the Ahl al-Khair camp, which was established after the February 6th 2023 earthquake. (Photo: Ali Haj Suleiman/DEC/Fairpicture)

Muhammed conducts field tours to see the conditions of those affected by the earthquake and their needs. “I know exactly what those affected by the earthquake are suffering, as I was also one of those affected.” Photo: Ali Haj Suleiman/DEC/Fairpicture

Emergency response staff consult each other amidst the rubble in Northern Syria.

Concern's Emergency Operations Director consulting with local partners in northwest Syria, an area badly affected by the earthquake. Photo: Concern Worldwide

Concern CEO speaking with Concern staff member at Turkish Syrian border

Concern Worldwide CEO, David Regan at Akçakale on the border between Turkey and Syria with Concern staff member, Lamyaa Abod. Photo: Kieran McConville/Concern Worldwide

How we're helping in Syria

We are working hard to alleviate suffering in Syria. We are doing this by delivering a multi-sectoral package of support that includes emergency response, education, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.