Following nearly 14 years of conflict and recent political changes in Syria, Humanity & Inclusion calls on all the country's parties to facilitate life-saving humanitarian aid. According to the United Nations, an estimated 16.7 million people – 70% of Syria’s entire population -need humanitarian assistance. The suffering of the population is immense, marked by endless violence, massive destruction, widespread displacement, and a catastrophic earthquake in Northwest Syria in February 2023. 

Years of War: A Staggering Humanitarian Cost

Four hundred thousand people have been killed in nearly 14 years of armed violence, according to the United Nations. The country is in ruins, with much of the population living in poverty, including around 13 million people facing food insecurity. More than 28% of the Syrian population over the age of two now lives with some disability.

Over 7.2 million Syrians remain internally displaced, while more than 6.3 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, creating the largest refugee and displacement crisis of our time.

The country's infrastructures have been devastated by systematic bombing and shelling of towns and cities, mainly between 2014 and 2019. Schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges lie in ruins, limiting access to essential services.

“Homes, hospitals, and schools have been destroyed, rendering many areas uninhabitable,” says Danila Zizi, HI’s Program Director for Syria. “Major cities such as Raqqa, East Aleppo, Deraa, Homs, and Eastern Ghouta have been devastated by the bombing. Access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, remains extremely limited.”

For example, the Raqqa offensive in 2017 destroyed 80% of the city's infrastructure. Only 60% of the country's hospitals are still operational.

“Mines and unexploded ordnance now cover fields, villages, and towns, posing hidden dangers that severely disrupt daily life,” Zizi continues. “Families wishing to return to their homes or lands remain trapped in fear, knowing that a single misstep could lead to a serious injury or even death.”

Years of war combined with limited access to quality medical care has led to nearly one-third of the Syrian population living with some disability.

“The consequences of compounding humanitarian crises will be felt for decades. Almost all Syrians have been affected by the war, and the generational impact will be immeasurable,” adds Hannah Guedenet, HI’s U.S. Executive Director. "We must continue providing trauma-informed humanitarian aid tailored to the needs of the population, especially those living with disabilities. Yet, we are only meeting one-quarter of the $4 billion required by the UN. We urgently need to increase funding to respond to this need.”  

Contaminated by Explosive Remnants of War

Since the start of the war in Syria in 2011, it is estimated that more than one million explosive munitions have been used across the country, primarily in populated areas. Generally, 10-30% of used munitions fail to detonate, leaving high contamination levels. An estimated 14 million civilians are at risk from explosive ordnance, with contamination creating obstacles to access to essential services, humanitarian aid, and income-generating opportunities. In late December 2024, explosive remnants of war reportedly killed at least seven people and injured 20 others across Aleppo, Daraa, Deir-ez-Zor, Hama, and Idlib.

Raising awareness about the dangers of explosive contamination and teaching people safe behaviors is vital. HI has conducted risk education sessions in the country for years, reaching over 2 million people.

After the significant developments that took place in Syria in late November, fighting, bombing, and shelling continue in Syria. Ammunition and weapons depots were subjected to attacks, resulting in a large-scale release of hazardous materials and unexploded ordnance, causing widespread contamination in surrounding areas. The incidents exacerbate the dangers posed by the presence of unsecured weapons stockpiles and the contamination by diverse types of ammunition. Displaced families and people returning home are particularly vulnerable to those dangers.

HI's Work in Syria

Since 2012, HI has been carrying out one of Syria's most significant humanitarian missions. Our 330 staff implement a wide range of activities. In partnership with a vast network of local organizations and health centers, we provide rehabilitation services for older people, people with disabilities, and those injured as a result of the conflict.

Since 2012, the association has provided humanitarian aid to 2 million people in Syria and Syrian refugees in five other countries. In 12 years, nearly 20,000 people were fitted with braces or artificial limbs. The association has distributed mobility aids and related supplies to over 210,000 people and provided physical and functional rehabilitation sessions to 275,000.

For more information about our activities in Syria, visit our Syria page.

In 2024 alone, HI teams and partners across Syria conducted:

 20,800 risk education sessions, reaching 145,000 people.

 Rehabilitation sessions caring for 38,500 patients.

 Mental health sessions support 26,000 individuals.

 Distribution of 29,000 assistive devices, including wheelchairs, crutches, and more.

The following experts are available for interviews:

Danila Zizi, HI Programs Director for Syria

Noor Bimbashi, HI Advocacy and Policy Advisor

Vincent Delonneau, Hub Manager Northwest Syria 

Tomas Dominguez, Hub Manager Northeast Syria