You can contribute to our ongoing efforts in Syria by donating to the Irish Red Cross Syria Appeal.
After more than a decade of protracted conflict, the Syria crisis remains one of the world’s largest and most complex crisis. The country’s humanitarian needs are now at an all-time high. Millions of people continue to suffer from armed conflict which has caused mass displacement and widespread destruction, the COVID-19 pandemic and a serious economic crisis compounded by the unintended impact of sanctions. Coupled with this, in February 2023, Syria was impacted by a devastating earthquake that further exacerbates exisitng vulnerabilities.
Since 2011, according to the United Nations nearly 7 million Syrians have fled into the neighbouring countries and beyond. Millions more have been forced out of their homes but are trapped within the country. Access to safe drinking water is a major challenge affecting millions of people across Syria, which now has up to 40 percent less drinking water than a decade ago. The Syrian healthcare system is increasingly unable to cope with just half of the country’s health facilities fully functional.
Todau, nearly 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line with more than 15 million needing humanitarian assistance, a trend that has been sustained over the past years.
Now more than ever, Syrians need our solidarity and support.
As the humanitarian needs of Syrians continue to increase, so does the response of the Red Cross Red Crescent network.
Since 2012, the Irish Red Cross has been supporting the provision of humanitarian assistance in Syria and the neighbouring countries. Funds raised by our Syria Appeal continues to support Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and Red Cross Red Crescent partners in providing humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict to help them cope with the situation.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Syria Response
Our local partner, Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is the largest community-based provider of humanitarian services in Syria with more than 6,000 staff and nearly 10,000 active and committed volunteers.
SARC staff and volunteers distribute relief to more than 5 million people each month.
80% of people in Syria gained access to clean water and sanitation through water projects supported by SARC.
Through its extensive network of health facilities and ambulances, SARC also provides emergency and primary health care services in areas with limited access to health care and areas where people are trapped by the conflict.
More than 1 million people receive medical consultations, medications, treatment and emergency health services from SARC health facilities every year.
As hundreds of thousands of people will require additional support in the coming months and possibly years, investment in early recovery and livelihoods resilience remains a priority in the Irish Red Cross response to the crisis. Throughout 2023, we will provide opportunities to vulnerable families struggling to become self sufficient again. This, in turn, helps support community strength and resiliency, food security and will help ensure access to health services and education.
Our Humanitarian Response to the Earthquake
Since day 1, SARC staff and volunteers were the first to respond, and they have provided more than 12 million humanitarian services, including food, water, shelter, and mental health support to the affected population.
SARC continues to cover the impacts of the earthquake on a broad scale with emergency relief and will continue to support communities over the years to come. So far, SARC provides 80% of the Syrian population with safe water through treatment and maintenance of damaged water insfrastructure and has a network of 229 health facilities, which represent a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
*Last updated August 2023