Syria crisis: 13 years

Since the beginning of the Syria crisis 13 years ago, tens of millions of Syrians have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Over five million are refugees in the five neighbouring countries to Syria and over 7.2 million people are displaced inside Syria.

The five major refugee hosting countries in the region include Turkey where the largest number of registered Syrian refugees are hosted – over three million people. Neighbouring and nearby countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt have also generously welcomed approximately 1.9 million Syrian refugees combined.

Many refugees have now been slipping further into poverty and living in formal refugee camps or inadequate and unsafe shelters for several years. For example, over 70 per cent of refugees living in host communities (not refugee camps) in Jordan are food insecure or vulnerable to food insecurity, whilst almost half of households are living below the abject poverty line.

It’s still very dangerous for families in Syria. Millions have lost their homes, communities and loved ones, so are often unwilling – or unable – to risk the journey back. In some areas, crisis has abated, but returns are not yet possible as buildings and utilities have been completely destroyed, and threats such as mines need to be cleared.

After years of upheaval, many Syrians have long exhausted any precious savings they were able to take with them when fleeing. They are now trapped in extreme poverty. With more than 13 million Syrians displaced inside Syria and around the world, public support has never been more vital. Every donation helps a Syrian refugee survive, recover and take steps to rebuild their lives until they can return home safely.

Weather conditions in winter in Syria are severe, including bitter cold, snow and violent storms and displaced Syrians throughout the Middle East face snowstorms, flooding and freezing temperatures.