Since 2011, Syria has faced a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions from their homes. The people of Syria face a lack of basic needs and livelihoods. We are helping to mitigate the effects of the civil war in the country. We have been working in the Turkish-Syrian border region since 2013. We have provided humanitarian material aid and healthcare and helped provide people with decent housing in the Idlib region.

In February 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Syria and Turkey. This exacerbated the problematic situation of the people in the country and left them entirely dependent on humanitarian organisations to provide for their basic needs.

Humanitarian aid for earthquake victims

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, we started to provide on-the-ground assistance in cooperation with our partner organisations. We provided basic material aid such as food, drinking water, hygiene kits, warm clothes, and blankets. We are also providing shelter, as well as building social facilities. In response to the earthquake, we have launched a fundraiser to help Turkey and Syria.

January 16, 2017 Syria

No water in Damascus hitting hard

“We are back to the stone age”. That’s what a Syrian in Damascus would tell you if you ask him about the situation. The Syrian capital suffers from long electricity cuts and gas and oil shortages. People have no means of heating during these cold winter days. What makes the situation catastrophic however is a water crisis. Read more on caritas.org.

January 2, 2017 Syria

Warm clothes for Syria in winter

Winter in Syria can be harsh. The temperatures remain below zero for long stretches. The cold plummets to as low as -11. Most people can’t protect themselves. They don’t have money to buy warm clothes, stoves or blankets. Rising fuel costs make survival all the more difficult. Read more on caritas.org.

December 22, 2016 Syria

Never Christmas in Syria

At times it seems it is always winter, never Christmas in Syria. For half a decade the people have suffered from the cruel winds of war. Millions are without homes. Even those with shelter have no heating or electricity. Our own Caritas staff burn their furniture to stay warm. Those schools still open can’t afford fuel – the children are wrapped up in heavy blankets as they sit at their desks. Read more on caritas.org.

December 20, 2016 Syria

We are all with Aleppo

Caritas Internationalis is renewing its call for peace in Syria. The Syrian government is now in control of East Aleppo. There is international concern over the plight of the 250,000 civilians who were thought to remain in there. Caritas is making emergency funds available to provide aid to those caught in the conflict in Aleppo. Caritas is calling for an immediate end to the conflict, that humanitarian aid reaches those in need and that the lives of civilians are protected. Read more on caritas.org.