13 Years of the Syrian Crisis: 7 Facts You Need to Know

Thirteen years after it began in 2011, the Syrian crisis remains one of the gravest displacement crises in the world. 

In this article, we’ll explore seven insights into this humanitarian crisis that you should know about.

1. The Scale of Displacement

It remains one of the largest displacement crises globally, with more than 12 million Syrians still displaced both inside and outside Syria.

Inside Syria, over 7.2 million people are internally displaced, while more than 5 million people have registered and sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

2. Regional Impact and Support  

Neighbouring countries, such as Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, continue to shoulder the responsibility of hosting over 5 million registered Syrian refugees.

Hosting communities have been very generous despite their own economic challenges and even deep economic and political crises in some countries like Lebanon. They need to be supported so they can continue with their generosity.

3. Compounded Hardships and Humanitarian Needs

Syrians continue to endure severe hardships. In Syria, approximately 16.7 million people require humanitarian aid, and 12.9 million people don’t know where their next meal will come from.

More than 19 million refugees and host community members in neighbouring countries also need various forms of support. Families are increasingly falling below the poverty line, with women, children and people with disabilities being the hardest hit.

4. Deteriorating Economic Conditions:

Around 90 percent of Syrian refugees in countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt are in debt as they struggle to meet their basic needs. The economic situation in Syria and host countries is worsening, with inflation, unemployment, and the high cost of living posing additional challenges.

5. Funding Shortfall for Humanitarian Aid 

Amid growing needs, funding for those affected by the Syrian crisis has been decreasing. Insufficient funds for UNHCR’s assistance programmes within Syria are at risk, while the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) to support refugees and their hosts is also experiencing a funding decline. This shortfall forces UNHCR and aid agencies to prioritize who is more vulnerable and in more need of support, leaving millions of people without vital assistance.

6. Call for Continued International Support

13 years on, refugees from Syria continue to need international protection. Continued international support is essential for host countries to maintain stability and provide quality services to refugees. Without adequate support, poverty, social tensions and anti-refugee sentiment could increase.

7. The Need for Durable Solutions

Syrians deserve an end to this crisis. Political solutions are imperative to spare Syrians the wrath of this prolonged crisis.

As the Syrian crisis continues to unfold with no political solution in sight, the need for global solidarity and support remains as vital as ever.

The international community, humanitarian organizations and host countries must work together to address the growing needs of millions of Syrians and find sustainable solutions for their displacement and ensure they don’t lose hope in the future.

Your support for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is crucial in helping Syrian refugees and their host communities. We urge you to donate and join us in our mission to provide hope and assistance to those affected by this protracted crisis.