Humanitarian work in Syria and vital help for Syrian refugees

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is supporting people affected by two devastating earthquakes which have hit Syria and Türkiye (Turkey).

Last updated 23 December 2024

The crisis in Syria

Between 27 November and 8 December 2024, conflict in Syria led to an unstable situation.

Approximately 1.1 million people have been forced to flee their homes and around 300 civilians have been killed in the recent violence. Another 6 million people had already had to leave their homes because of the conflict. The worst affected areas are Aleppo, Hama and Homs.

The humanitarian situation in Syria already affects 90% of the population and it is getting worse. 16 million people need assistance:

Hospitals are overwhelmed.
Resources for hygiene and shelter are scarce.
Water supply is severely reduced, particularly in and around Aleppo.
Main roads have also been impacted by airstrikes, as well as internet and phone communications.

DONATE TO THE SYRIA CRISIS APPEAL

A Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteer is standing in a medical aid van and passing a very small baby to a woman standing outside the van, surrounded by three others.

Syrian Red Crescent teams are on the ground providing assistance to people affected by the crisis.

When did the crisis in Syria begin?

How is the conflict in Syria affecting its people?

How you can help Syrian people and Syrian refugees

What is the Red Cross doing in Syria?

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent, part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is the main humanitarian agency in Syria. Essential staff and volunteers remain in place across the country to provide emergency support.

The Red Cross has worked alongside the Red Crescent for many years We also provide ongoing support to thousands of people who have sought safety in the UK after fleeing their homes in Syria.

You can support our work by donating to our Syria Crisis Appeal.

Find out more about how the Red Cross has helped people living through the Syrian Crisis

Map of Syria

A graphic showing Syria on a map, highlighted in red, and surround countries labelled and shaded grey.

When did the crisis in Syria begin?

The crisis in Syria began in 2011, and over 13 years later it's still ongoing.

This and the impact of the 2023 earthquake, have led to a situation where, if 100 people lived in Syria:

90 people now live in poverty
76 don't have access to enough food
94 are in need of assistance

But 17 million people live in Syria.

How is the conflict in Syria affecting its people?

The ongoing Syria conflict has caused the collapse of economic and social activities and services. This means that access to livelihoods or employment opportunities, education, water, shelter and healthcare has massively deteriorated, causing a poverty crisis within the country.

More than 13 years of fighting has also caused mass displacement and created a refugee crisis in Syria and nearby countries. Over 12 million Syrian refugees have fled their homes, and over six million are living as refugees in nearby countries.

Syria needs our help now as much as ever. The Red Cross continues to provide vital aid and support to Syrian people and Syrian refugees in nearby countries. Find out more about how the Red Cross has already helped six million people living through the Syrian Crisis.

How you can help Syrian people and Syrian refugees

Your support of the Syria Crisis Appeal will help the Red Cross and our partner, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, provide food, mattresses, blankets and vital services. We will also work with our partners to reach Syrian refugees living in nearby countries.

Your donations will help us deliver emergency aid across front lines to reach people most in need.

A British Red Cross infographic which says:

How did the earthquake affect communities in Syria?

Devastating earthquakes hit Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria in February 2023, and the needs on the ground remain immense. In Syria, eight million people were directly impacted by the earthquakes. More than 5,670 lives were lost and almost 12,000 were injured.

Many of those affected by the earthquake were already living in vulnerable conditions. Each year the freezing winter temperatures bring an additional layer of hardship for those displaced or still living in temporary shelters.

This caused extensive destruction of cities and towns and forced thousands of people to move, both internally and abroad. In recent years, millions of people have been pushed deeper into poverty by the worst economic crisis since the start of the conflict and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Red Crescent continues to be the main humanitarian actor in Syria, providing essential support to communities impacted by the earthquake, including food, water, shelter, healthcare, and mental health services.