Syria

Caritas Luxembourg has been contributing to humanitarian efforts in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in March 2011 and since the reception of Iraqi refugees before that. The wars in Syria since 2011 in different parts of the country have caused one of the most catastrophic humanitarian emergencies in the world, forcing 6 million Syrians to flee to neighbouring countries (Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt) and displacing 6 million vulnerable people within the country, when the population was around 22 million. But most of the people who remained in their region of origin are also victims of precariousness and are dependent on humanitarian aid. In addition, Caritas is helping people who have returned to their home towns, in neighbourhoods destroyed by the fighting or also affected by the earthquake of 6 February 2023.

Each of these people has real and urgent needs. The needs of refugees and displaced people far exceed the resources available locally to help them. Most families are surviving in poor conditions, struggling day by day to meet their basic needs. International sanctions, ongoing fighting, the after-effects of the COVID pandemic and then inflation and recession have further weakened the population. Survivors and displaced persons are traumatised by the conflict. They need protection from abuse, exploitation and violence, and psychological support. The wounds of trauma caused by the ongoing violence make it difficult, if not impossible, for many people to rebuild their lives, especially if they are waiting for information about their missing relatives, or lack essential items such as shelter, food and basic necessities. The situation has disrupted the economy and many have lost their jobs, market opportunities and possessions. Households are almost entirely dependent on external aid. With the decline in international aid, survival strategies are forced to improvise on a day-to-day basis.

Caritas Luxembourg is involved in several regions of Syria with several local partners for rehabilitation.

A decade of emergency cooperation has been made possible thanks to the financial support of the European Union, the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and numerous donors. In 2023, more than 43,000 people were once again helped.

In addition, directly affected by the earthquake of 6 February 2023, colleagues on the ground reacted immediately, drawing on their experience to provide emergency food assistance, shelter and blankets, flexible cash (suppliers' stocks were available), referrals to medical partners and the setting up of camps, starting with the search for victims under the rubble and clearing work.

THESE ACTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF INSTITUTIONAL DONORS AND ALL INDIVIDUAL DONORS. THANK YOU!

ONGOING ACTIVITIES IN 2024

Thanks to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MAEE) and other donors, Caritas Luxembourg is continuing its work locally in Homs and the Damascus region for people in chronic emergency situations, disabled children, earthquake victims, and for people returning to neighbourhoods destroyed by war so that they can repair their homes. Where the shell of bombed and burned buildings has remained stable, basic repairs can be carried out at low cost, starting with the roof and ceilings, doors and windows, then the walls and sanitary facilities. The earthquake affected the pillars of some homes that had been repaired, even in Homs, but the perseverance of the teams and residents is admirable. Civil engineers have come up with technical solutions. Light is provided by solar panels. Life is gradually returning to neighbourhoods that had been besieged or abandoned in Homs and eastern Damascus.

Training and a small amount of start-up capital are also being offered to some survivors to help them regain their livelihoods and restart their former jobs (carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc.) and their socio-economic autonomy, so that they are no longer dependent on aid, which in any case has been reduced by the international community due to a lack of donations.

Those wishing to support those in need in Syria - and more broadly all the activities of Caritas Luxembourg - can do so by making a donation by transfer to the account (CCPL) IBAN LU34 1111 0000 2020 0000 or directly below.