Aleppo, Januar 2018
Aleppo, Januar 2018

Surprising and radical change of power in Syria

Humanitarian aid by organizations such as Caritas is of crucial importance

The fall of the government marks the end of an authority that has brought death and destruction to the country and driven millions of people to flee their homes. The Syrian population hopes for a future of peace, self-determination and economic stability. However, the situation is unclear and it is uncertain whether these hopes will be fulfilled.

«We are closely monitoring developments and working with our partners to provide humanitarian aid as quickly as possible.»Peter LackDirector Caritas Switzerland

The need for humanitarian aid is enormous

The coming days and weeks will be an enormous challenge for the civilian population. There is an urgent need to provide humanitarian aid to people in this precarious situation. The ongoing civil war since 2011, a historic economic crisis and the devastating earthquake in February 2023 continue to have a dramatic impact on the Syrian population:

  • 16.7 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid
  • Over 14.6 million people are affected by food insecurity
  • More than 90% of the population lives below the poverty line
  • An estimated 2 million people are affected by extreme poverty
  • Around 6 million Syrians have fled abroad in recent years, most of them to neighboring countries
  • In addition, almost 7 million people have been displaced within Syria

International donors and politicians must now promote reconstruction, development and peace.

Caritas projects continue

Caritas Switzerland has been active on the ground for around 12 years and has been able to support thousands of people in extremely fragile living situations. Our projects in the areas of basic services and livelihoods, which we implement with partner organizations, continue despite the tense situation. A new project to support people in need with cash assistance is in the planning stage.

Return of refugees to Syria out of the question

«Around 80% of the entire population in Syria is in need of humanitarian aid. We cannot send people back to such a situation.»Peter LAck

As long as fighting and violence are taking place or escalating in the country, people cannot return to Syria. This also requires a stable government and functioning institutions to ensure the protection of the population.

Further information

Header image: Aleppo, Januar 2018 © Hasan Belal