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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 are also supporting Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Türkiye and Iraq.
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.
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
Syrian refugee Fatima* looks out of the window at her home at an informal tented settlement in the village of Samounniye, Akkar, north of Lebanon. Photo: Dalia Khamissy/ Concern Worldwide
Syrian refugees Khaled*, left, and Fatima* sit on a mattress at their home at an informal tented settlement in the village of Samounniye, Akkar, north of Lebanon. Photo: Dalia Khamissy/ Concern Worldwide
Children play outside homes at an informal tented settlement in the village of Samounniye, Akkar, north of Lebanon. Photo: Dalia Khamissy/ Concern Worldwide
Syrian refugee Ibrahim* stands outside his home at an informal tented settlement in the village of Samounniye, Akkar, north of Lebanon. Photo: Dalia Khamissy/ Concern Worldwide
Team members of Concern distribute soap at an informal tented settlement in the village of Samounniye, Akkar, north of Lebanon. Photo: Dalia Khamissy/ 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.
Emergency response
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
Education
Latest from Syria
Organisations who fund us
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