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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 2011, intense fighting in Syria has forcibly displaced more people than any other country. Over 12 million people – more than half the country’s population – remain displaced; they are either in or outside Syria, missing, or in need of assistance. Over half of this 12 million are children.

The 2023 earthquake and the recent increase in violence have made an already precarious situation worse, causing further loss of civilian lives, as well as displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure, including water and power facilities.

Over 300,000 lives have been lost since the conflict erupted in 2011.

More than half of Syria's population remain displaced, are missing, or need aid.

In 2023, CARE and partners supported over 3.5 million people inside Syria.

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. Instead, they reside in urban areas among locals, usually in poor neighborhoods where they can afford the rent, adding to already stretched infrastructures and putting more pressure on basic resources such as health and education. Having left everything behind, Syrian refugees are struggling to meet their most basic needs.

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 for the elderly, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene items, and shelter.

During harsh winters, our 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. We also work with health clinics to provide primary care and maternal and reproductive health services for women and communities affected by the conflict.

In long-lasting conflicts, it’s important to help people rebuild their lives and strengthen communities so they can cope better. CARE, along with its partners, has created programs to support these efforts. We provide families with things like help in farming, cash for work, empowering women economically, small loans, and mental health support. We also run activities to protect women and girls, offering safe spaces to raise awareness about violence, health, and teach life skills, along with recreational activities.

CARE works in northern Syria largely with partners. For the safety of our partners and staff, we do not disclose exact locations.

In 2023, CARE and its local partners supported over 3.5 million people inside Syria with lifesaving services and activities related to advancing gender equality.

*Last updated October 2024