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Syria

Destruction of homes from conflict in Aleppo, Syria

Destruction of homes from conflict in Aleppo, Syria, February 2024

Why CAFOD works in Syria

Thirteen years of conflict in Syria have devastated the country, critical infrastructures and the economy. The dramatic and rapid fall of the Assad regime has brought hope to the Syrian people, but it does not mean an immediate end to the humanitarian needs in the area.

CAFOD’s partners have been working in Syria throughout this conflict and will continue doing so as humanitarian needs in Syria remain at unprecedented levels. Now, more than ever, we need people’s support to help Syrians and the Syrian civil society rebuild.

The impact of the 13-year conflict, and the aftermath of the earthquake in 2023, have left millions in need of basic essentials like food, clean water and shelter.

In Syria, 90% of people are experiencing poverty, and an estimated 16.7 million Syrians are still in need of humanitarian assistance, including access to food and water.

Families are suffering from loss of income as people are unable to work, leading to an increase in hunger. Many vulnerable people - often women and children - are more at risk, including from exploitation.

Widespread shelling has destroyed whole cities, meaning millions have fled to overcrowded camps, where there is poor access to healthcare and clean water. Throughout the conflict, 12 million people from Syria have been displaced, including around 6.8 million internally displaced and about 5 million registered refugees, mainly in neighbouring countries. Many who want to return home to Syria after the fall of Assad will not have a place to live. Others, released from years of detention, have nowhere to stay now they are free.

Some areas are still unsafe, and many children are dealing with the trauma of having witnessed the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes. Now more than ever, CAFOD and our local partners need support in Syria to continue life-saving assistance and address the needs of the Syrian people affected by the 13-year conflict and to help Syria to build a secure future.

CAFOD's work in Syria

Our local partners are still providing urgent assistance to people impacted by the conflict, as well as the aftermath of the earthquake. This includes:

  • life-saving humanitarian assistance like food, water, and hygiene and winter items (such as blankets, heating materials, etc)

  • safe and dignified shelter

  • healthcare

  • education

  • counselling and group therapy

  • work opportunities.