Syria

The dramatic and rapid fall of the Assad regime in 2024 initially brought some hope to the Syrian people, but it did not bring an immediate end to the humanitarian needs in the country.

Through nearly 14 years of conflict in Syria, homes, critical infrastructure and the economy have been destroyed. The country is devastated. Current death toll estimates from over a decade of war are as high as 620,000. Today, 70 per cent of the population remains in need of humanitarian assistance and 90 per cent live below the poverty line.

Since 2011, more than 13 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety: 6 million Syrian refugees have been living in neighbouring countries like Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, while UNHCR estimates that over 570,000 Syrians have crossed back to Syria via neighboring countries during the six months after the regime end of 2024.

Significant challenges remain for those considering returning, including lack of services and infrastructure, destroyed homes, economic hardship, as well as safety and security concerns. After more than a decade of crisis, Syria is experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian emergencies. Basic needs continue to deteriorate due to economic collapse, ongoing displacement and damaged infrastructure. Millions of Syrians face food shortages, limited access to water and sanitation, as well as a declining healthcare system, making an urgent and coordinated humanitarian response more necessary than ever.

A better world needs all of us. That’s why CAFOD’s partners have been working in Syria throughout the 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 build back better.