Care.org Care.org
icon icon icon icon icon icon icon

Syrian Refugee Crisis

A girl plays on a swing in front of a clothesline and white tents.

Photo credit: CARE / Delil Souleiman

Photo credit: CARE / Delil Souleiman

Emergencies

The humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to deepen. Over 70% of the population – 16.7 million people – can’t survive without humanitarian aid. This is a 9% increase from 2023.

About the humanitarian crisis in Syria

Since the conflict erupted in 2011, over 300,000 lives have been lost. The violence has caused one of the biggest prolonged displacement crises of our time. Over 13 million – more than half the country’s population – remain displaced; either in or outside Syria, with over half of them children. Many disappeared people are still missing, and 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance for survival.

Protracted conflict, economic decline, funding shortfalls, the 2023 earthquakes, the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, and renewed waves of displacement made a precarious humanitarian situation worse. Since late November 2024, at least 652,000 people have been newly displaced, putting further strain on a humanitarian sector struggling to respond to spiraling needs.

Across northwest Syria, as of December 2024, two million internally displaced persons (IDPs) still reside in over 1,500 camps and informal settlements. Idlib is currently the home to 42% of these IDPs, with notable movements of returnees in Aleppo and Hama. However, over 37,700 people left displacement camps across Idlib and northern Aleppo between Dec. 3 and Jan. 13. In northeast Syria, as of Jan. 5, over 25,000 people have taken refuge in emergency collective centers.

The humanitarian needs remain enormous inside Syria. People urgently need assistance with necessities such as food, shelter, health services, livelihood support, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), protection, and services addressing violence against women.

How many Syrians are refugees?

Nearly 5 million Syrians remain registered as refugees in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Türkiye, and Jordan. More than 80% of Syrian refugees in the region live outside designated refugee camps. They live in urban areas, usually in poor neighborhoods where they can afford the rent. Having left everything behind, Syrian refugees are struggling to meet their most basic needs. However, following the regime change in Syria, over 195,000 Syrian refugees have returned home, according to UNHCR reports. Nonetheless, the country still faces significant challenges in ensuring safe conditions for the voluntary return of Syrians, with ongoing protection concerns such as unexploded ordnance and unresolved housing, land, and property issues.

Photo credit: Shafak/CARE

How to help Syrian refugees: What CARE is doing

CARE supports the affected population in Syria through cash assistance and relief supplies, such as food baskets, baby kits, dignity kits, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene items, and shelter. During harsh winters, CARE and partners have supported families with cash to buy items such as heaters and provided in-kind aid, including mattresses, blankets, floor coverings, and children’s clothing. CARE also works with health clinics to provide primary care and maternal and reproductive health services, and communities affected by the conflict.

In the context of protracted crises, where conflicts persist over extended periods, it is critical to support individuals in rebuilding their lives and strengthening communities so they can cope better. CARE and our partners have created programs to support these efforts. We assist families through programs that include agricultural support, cash-for-work opportunities, women’s economic empowerment initiatives, small loans, and mental health service. We also run activities to protect women and girls, offering safe spaces to raise awareness about violence, health, and life skills, along with recreational activities.

The recent escalation of violence and the regime’s collapse have severely impacted humanitarian operations and access to essential services. Logistical challenges and limited access to affected areas further complicated the humanitarian response. A significant gap persists between the urgent needs and the response capabilities of humanitarian agencies and the government. Amidst this highly complex humanitarian situation, CARE is providing critical support across northern Syria.

In the northeast, we offer multipurpose cash assistance and in-kind support to people in need. Across the northwest, we continue to serve displaced populations through our ongoing programming. Our services include WASH support, help with access to specialized care, psychosocial support, health services, first aid, and cash assistance.

Meanwhile, in south-central Syria, we support new arrivals with cash, non-food items, shelter, livelihoods, and food.

*Last updated March 2025

You May Also Like: