Muslim Aid stands with Syria as it enters a new era

After 13 years of brutal war, Syria is on the other side of change. The millions of displaced Syrians around the world have been flooded with hope as they anticipate their return home.

Since 2011, more than 306,000 civilians had been killed and 13 million people forced to flee their homes, leaving Syria facing the world’s largest refugee crisis.

On Sunday, it was announced that former Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad left the country, marking an end to his 24-year rule and causing shockwaves across the region.

Between the celebratory chants were whispers of anxiety as uncertainty loomed with a staggering humanitarian crisis at the back of their minds.

Since the start of the month, hundreds have been killed, and over 10,000 are believed to have been displaced in the final push to oust Assad, with no framework for humanitarian stability in sight.

This winter, the impending crisis will only worsen as civilians are bracing to face poverty, instability and destruction in the bitter cold. The lack of adequate shelter and heating has heightened the risk of illnesses and fatalities, particularly among children, the elderly, and those already weakened by malnutrition.

Currently, with 16.7 million people in Syria requiring aid—three-quarters of the population— humanitarian efforts are more vital than ever.

Throughout the war, Muslim Aid supported Syrians through food, livelihood projects, health, and a sustainable housing project in northwest Syria that survived the 2023 earthquake.

We are continuing our humanitarian efforts in Syria. We are currently providing urgent support to the vulnerable as we enter the phase of rebuilding the war-torn country with sustainable projects that will help Syrians stand back on their feet.

Yusuf Kalam, Muslim Aid’s Head of Income Generation and Marketing says:

“As millions of Syrians anticipate returning home after over a decade of being displaced by this brutal war, we must stand with our brothers and sisters who are facing the effects of this transition.

We must also support Syrians in rebuilding their country – whether they have touched down and felt the soil of their land for the first time in years, or whether they have lived in Syria throughout this brutal war.

As we welcome a new chapter for the Syrian people, we are aware of the challenges that they will face, and we remain committed to providing them with their right to having their humanitarian needs met.”