Syria Crisis Appeal

Syrians have experienced over 13 years of conflict, following decades of dictatorship. Despite the uncertainty today and the fear of what follows, it is a moment of hope for a democratic transition. Nonetheless, millions of people still need urgent humanitarian assistance, including access to food, clean water and shelter.

With your support, we can continue to reach the most vulnerable, ensuring they have access to these essentials like emergency food, water and shelter.

Our partners are continuing to work inside Syria supporting communities affected by 13 years of conflict. Now, more than ever, we need people’s support to help Syrians and the Syrian civil society rebuild.

What can I do to help?

Donate to the Syria Crisis Appeal

You can provide vital emergency aid to vulnerable families both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries.

Prayers of intercession for Syria

Please join us in praying for peace in Syria with these prayers of intercession.

With your support, we can continue to reach the most vulnerable, ensuring they have access to these essentials like emergency food, water and shelter.

Destruction of homes from conflict in Aleppo, Syria

What is happening in Syria?

The situation in Syria is still volatile and can change very quickly. We are in contact with our local partners on the ground and will post updates when we can.

The Syria crisis started in 2011, when Syrians came out onto the streets as part of the Arab Spring because they wanted to live in freedom, peace and dignity. After 13 years of conflict, leaving about 7 million people displaced inside the country and 5 million registered as refugees, opposition forces toppled the Assad government that had stayed in power for over 50 years.

The country remains in a desperate situation due to the conflict that has deteriorated the country’s economy and key infrastructures, and as a result of the earthquake that struck the northern parts of the country in 2023.

Today, the suffering continues with humanitarian needs at unprecedented levels. The situation remains dire for 16.7 million Syrians who are still in need of humanitarian assistance (including food, clear water and shelter). For those who will want to return, not all of them will have a place to go as a result of the devastating conflict, and some areas are still unsafe to return to. Many of the children are dealing with trauma having witnessed the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes.

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What are the urgent needs of the Syrian people?

In Syria, 90% of people are experiencing poverty, and about 15.3 million people don’t have regular access to food and need urgent assistance.

With millions of Syrians dealing with the conflict and the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake, they still desperately need support right now. We continue to provide food, shelter, blankets, warm clothes and other essentials.

Families are suffering from loss of income as people are unable to work, leading to an increase in hunger as people struggle to afford food. Many vulnerable people - often women and children - are more at risk, including of exploitation.

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Our partners are continuing to work inside Syria supporting communities affected by 13 years of conflict. Now, more than ever, we need people’s support to help Syrians and the Syrian civil society rebuild.

Syria earthquake response image 2 — Preparation for distribution of food and other essentials to vulnerable people affected by the 2023 earthquake

How will my donation help?

CAFOD’s partners have been working in Syria throughout this conflict and will continue doing so, supporting those who are still suffering and impacted by the effects of the 13-year conflict.

Thanks to the compassion and generosity of Catholics across England and Wales, our partners continue to provide vital emergency aid to vulnerable families both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries.

Your donation will help local experts in Syria and neighbouring countries to keep providing:

life-saving humanitarian assistance like food, water, and hygiene and winter items (blankets, heating materials, etc)
shelter and clothing
healthcare
education
counselling and group therapy
work opportunities

What can I do to help?

Donate to the Syria Crisis Appeal

You can provide vital emergency aid to vulnerable families both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries.

Prayers of intercession for Syria

Please join us in praying for peace in Syria with these prayers of intercession.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake

Thank you to everyone who supported our Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. Your donations have enabled our local partners to respond quickly and reach thousands of people with emergency assistance and the tools to start rebuilding their lives.

The devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2023 worsened an already dire situation in Syria, destroying the homes of 300,000 people, killing at least 5,900 people, injuring more than 12,000, damaging 10,000 buildings, and plunging the country further into crisis.