Syria :

Since the popular uprising in the southern city of Daraa in March 2011, Syria has been plunged into a civil war that continues to this day. This conflict has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Millions of Syrians have fled to other cities, regions, or abroad.

The hostilities have significantly impacted the country's economy. Since 2018, Syria has been considered a low-income country. The vast majority of the population lives below the poverty line due to the sharp depreciation of the Syrian pound, significant increases in the cost of living, and the government's inability to subsidize basic goods. International economic sanctions also exacerbate the situation, affecting ordinary people rather than the wealthy elite.

Millions of Syrians face food insecurity. Access to healthcare, education, housing, and viable sources of income is also problematic. Many people are unemployed. The population faces electricity shortages and a lack of fuel for heating and transportation.

On February 6 2023, Syria – like Turkey – was struck by severe earthquakes. This natural disaster had a significant impact on the population in the regions of Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, and Idlib. The already strained healthcare sector was severely affected.

Caritas International supports Caritas Syria in various regions to address the effects of the earthquakes. Caritas Syria is active throughout the country, and has intervened near Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia. The organization has also supported vulnerable families who migrated to Homs and Tartous.

Internationally, the Caritas network is committed to raising awareness of the critical situation of Syrians and advocating for a diplomatic and non-violent solution to the conflict – the only way to bring new hope and lasting peace.