Syria: Between Crisis and a New Beginning

War, displacement and poverty: Syria has not yet recovered from the civil war or the 2023 earthquakes. Together with Syrian partner organisations, Solidar Suisse works to ensure that people have access to clean water, safer shelter and protection – especially children and their families.

When the essentials are missing

Syria’s humanitarian crisis continues. Damaged infrastructure, inadequate basic services and the consequences of years of violence make everyday life difficult for millions of people. The effects of the 2023 earthquakes have added to these challenges. 15.6 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance. USD 2.9 billion is required to meet the most urgent needs. (2026, OCHA). These figures show the scale of a crisis that has become part of daily life for many families.

Families who have been living with the consequences of war, displacement and economic collapse for years face particularly difficult circumstances. Many people have only limited access to clean water and basic infrastructure, while damaged water and wastewater systems further compound the situation. At the same time, numerous families continue to live in damaged or inadequate shelter, exposed to insecurity, overcrowding and a lack of privacy. Rising prices and limited opportunities to earn an income add further pressure, making it harder for people to meet their basic needs.

Children and women are also at greater risk. Poverty, displacement and the loss of familiar social support networks increase the risk of violence, exploitation, child labour and psychological distress. At the same time, many areas lack functioning services that can support and protect families.

  • Life expectancy in Syria: 72.6 years Average life expectancy in Switzerland: 83.6 years
  • Gini index: 26.6 The Gini index measures the degree of income inequality in a country. A value of 0 represents perfect equality, while 100 represents complete inequality. Switzerland: 32.7
  • Adult literacy rate: 80.9% for women and 91.6% for men Literacy rate among adults in Switzerland: 99.9 %

Our work in Syria

Solidar Suisse combines support in acute emergencies with work designed to have a lasting impact. Together with local partner organisations, we support people where the crisis affects their daily lives most directly: by improving access to clean water, protecting children and repairing damaged homes.

Water, schools and child protection

Many water and wastewater systems in Syria are damaged, overstretched or affected by power cuts. As a result, people must rely on unsafe, distant or unreliable water sources. This increases the risk of disease and places an additional burden on women and girls, who often spend more time collecting water and caring for family members. Solidar Suisse supports communities in repairing and maintaining water supply and sanitation systems. Schools are a particular focus: when water and sanitation facilities function again, children from host communities and returning families can learn in a safer and more appropriate environment.

Schools are also important places for child protection. Teachers and caregivers receive support to identify children facing particular risks or distress at an early stage and to respond appropriately. Psychosocial support and clear referral pathways to further assistance strengthen not only individual children, but also the adults and structures around them. People in the communities help decide which systems should be prioritised. Local actors are involved so that facilities can continue to be operated and maintained after a project ends.

Safer shelter and repairs

Many families live in damaged homes or temporary shelter that offers little protection from cold, rain and other hardships. After years of conflict and the 2023 earthquakes, habitable housing and functioning infrastructure are still lacking in many areas. In Syria, Solidar Suisse has repaired damaged homes, helping families live in safer conditions. Such repairs can be particularly important for people returning to their places of origin or seeking a more stable everyday life after repeated displacement.

Our commitment in Syria

Solidar Suisse has been active in Syria since 2023. Our work is guided by a simple principle: emergency assistance alone is not enough when water systems remain out of service, families have no reliable income and children grow up without protection. That is why we combine humanitarian assistance with reconstruction, long-term development and efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence.

Syria

Child Protection and Reconstruction

In Northwestern Syria, Solidar Suisse focuses on income promotion, shelter rehabilitation, and child protection. Training, psychosocial support, and infrastructure renewal enhance resilience and contribute to sustainable recovery.

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