Humanitarian work in Syria
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is delivering lifesaving aid and long‑term support to communities across Syria.
Last updated 9 April 2026
The crisis in Syria
After more than a decade of crisis, people in Syria continue to face conflict, displacement and economic hardship. Since changes in authority in December 2024, many families are still struggling to meet their basic needs and rebuild their lives.
The British Red Cross continues to support the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide vital humanitarian assistance. Together, we work with communities across Syria to respond to emergencies and support longer term recovery.
The Syrian Red Crescent, with support from the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is also responding to the long term impact of the February 2023 earthquakes. More than 3.5 million people have been supported to recover, return home or start again with dignity.
Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are responding across the wider Middle East following the escalation of hostilities. In Syria, teams are on standby to respond where needed. See the latest updates on the Middle East crisis.
Syria crisis in numbers
The crisis in Syria began in 2011, and over 15 years later it's still ongoing.
- 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance.
- 5.6 million people are displaced within Syria, many living in unsafe shelters without basic services.
- Nearly 4 million people have returned home or crossed back into Syria since December 2024, including 675,000 people fleeing violence in Lebanon.
- 13 million people struggle to get enough food, with child malnutrition increasing.
- 9 in 10 people live below the poverty line, with 3 in 10 in extreme poverty.
- 14 million people are at risk from mines and unexploded weapons, with incidents rising sharply since late 2024.
If 100 people live in Syria:
- 90 people now live in poverty.
- 76 don’t have access to enough food.
- 94 need assistance.
- 32 would have been forced to leave their home.
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. Over 5,900 staff and 14,000 volunteers remain in place across the country to provide daily and emergency support to communities.
It is supported by the British Red Cross and partner societies across the Red Cross network.
British Red Cross also provide ongoing support to thousands of people who have sought safety in the UK after fleeing their homes.
You can support our work by donating to our Syria Crisis Appeal.
Map of Syria
How is the conflict in Syria affecting its people?
After 15 years of conflict, people in Syria continue to face severe hardship. The war has damaged the country’s economy, services and infrastructure, leaving many families unable to meet their basic needs.
- Essential services have collapsed, making it difficult to access healthcare, clean water, education, safe housing and jobs. Poverty is widespread and deepening.
- Security remains unstable, with ongoing violence disrupting daily life and humanitarian access in many parts of the country.
- Displacement remains a major challenge. While millions have returned home since December 2024, 5.6 million people are still internally displaced or newly displaced, often living in unsafe conditions.
- Civilians and aid workers are at ongoing risk, highlighting the continued need for protection and humanitarian support.
Humanitarian needs include:
- limited access to cash, making it hard for people to pay for food, rent and basic services
- ongoing violence and insecurity in parts of the country, putting civilians at risk and restricting humanitarian access
- unsafe living conditions in shelters, increasing the risk of illness, malnutrition and child death
- lack of clean water and sanitation, raising the risk of disease.
- overstretched healthcare services, with many hospitals and clinics only partly functioning or closed
- barriers to humanitarian aid, leaving many vulnerable people without enough support
- widespread hardship caused by damaged infrastructure, economic collapse and ongoing displacement
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.
How did the Red Cross support affected communities in the 2023 Earthquake?
The February 2023 earthquake had a devastating impact on communities in Syria, especially in and around Aleppo. Many people were already facing hardship before the earthquake struck.
The British Red Cross supported the Syrian Red Crescent to respond quickly and effectively. This included coordinating cash support so families could meet their most urgent needs with dignity.
With support from the British Red Cross, more than 152,000 people affected by the earthquake received help, including:
- emergency cash support to cover basic household needs
- winter assistance to help people stay warm
- livelihood and income‑generating support to help families recover
Response to the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake
Find out more about the Red Cross and Red Crescent response.
Psychosocial support after the Turkey Syria earthquake
Emotional scars remain for millions in both Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria. See how we're helping people.