What is happening in Syria?
The conflict in Syria dates back to March 2011.
It started out as a peaceful protest, with public demonstrations calling for democratic reforms. But the peaceful demonstrations were met by swift government opposition, eventually giving way to a brutal war.
13 years later, the Syrian conflict has shifted into a seemingly unsolvable crisis, leaving a country scarred by terror and instability. Right now, at least 11 million people have fled their homes.
In February 2023 the earthquakes in Türkiye and northern Syria destroyed countless homes, leaving people homeless in the middle of a bitter winter.
Donate nowEarthquakes in Northern Syria and Türkiye
Imagine fleeing a war zone only to be hit again by an earthquake.
That’s what happened on 6 February 2023 when a series of powerful earthquakes ravaged northern Syria and Türkiye (formerly Turkey).
The region where the earthquakes struck is home to significant numbers of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people.
In northwest Syria many buildings were already damaged by years of civil war, and that’s where some of the worst damage was reported.
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13 years of conflict
The Syrian crisis has been ShelterBox’s largest and most sustained response in our history. As we reach the 13-year anniversary, over 13 million people have been displaced by the conflict (source: UNHCR).
News of the conflict rarely makes headlines, but it rages on. And the political stalemate means the future is as uncertain as ever. As the fighting continues, millions of displaced Syrians face brutal winters, floods that wash away shelters, financial issues and the additional threat of coronavirus.
Learn how the war in Syria began, who is involved and how families have been affected with our interactive timeline.
What challenges do people face?
Financial crisis
Financially, Syria is on its knees. Currency depreciation and widespread sanctions affect the flow of money coming into the country.
Basics like fuel, food and medicines are now out of reach for people who were already struggling to access them. The cost of a food basket, for example, has increased by 236% in just 12 months.
Extreme weather
Syria faces extreme heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. In February 2021, days of heavy rain caused widespread floods in the northwest of Syria, destroying thousands of tents and soaking families’ possessions.
Without warm clothes, blankets and proper insulation, families have no choice but to group together in shared shelters to ensure they survive the winter.
How are we helping families?
We are providing shelter for families who have been forced to leave their homes due to the conflict in Syria.
When families are far from home, and traumatised from their experiences, having a safe place to call home is invaluable.
More than 400,000 people in the region have received ShelterBox aid since we first responded to the crisis in December 2012. This makes it the largest, most sustained response in our history.
In the aftermath of the earthquakes in northern Syria and Türkiye, ShelterBox is supplying tents, high thermal blankets, mattresses, solar lights, water carriers and multi-purpose cash.
Please donate today. Your support will provide emergency shelter for families affected by disasters around the world.
Donate nowOur aid items in Syria
20,000 tents
When families lose their homes, we provide tents for people who were previously sleeping in the open
175,000 thermal blankets
In winter we provide items like winter clothing, high thermal blankets, mattresses and sometimes stoves to help combat the freezing temperatures.
58,000 solar lights
Some of our solar lights also come with a USB port to charge phones and maintain vital communication between families.
Working with partners
Our partners help us provide aid in some of the most remote and dangerous conflict zones around the world.
In Syria, we’re working with ReliefAid and Bahar Organisation to get our aid to those who need it the most.
But what motivates these extraordinary individuals to risk their lives to deliver aid in such dangerous circumstances?
Meet Farid and find out what life looks like for aid workers in Syria.
Aid Workers In Syria
How can you help?
13 years of conflict has left millions of Syrian people homeless. You can make a difference.
