Syria

We provide multi-sector emergency assistance for the most vulnerable internally displaced people (IDPs), host community households, and returnee families in conflict-affected areas of Syria. This includes emergency ready-to-eat rations in desperate situations e.g. displaced families with no home or access to cooking facilities. This is followed by food baskets, or where access to shops is possible, we use food vouchers so that people can purchase food in local markets. 

Our integrated approach also helps to prevent the outbreak of disease, through the distribution of hygiene kits and information to promote improved hygiene practices. In our IDP camp response, we install emergency latrines, provide chlorinated water supply and conduct water quality monitoring. 

Newly-displaced populations in non-camp settings are assisted with shelter kits, water tanks and NFI kits such as mattresses, blankets, plastic sheets and floor mats. During the winter months we provide heaters, cash for fuel, fire extinguishers and jerry cans to help with freezing temperatures.

The lack of clean water is one of the most pressing concerns in Syria because of the high risk of waterborne disease outbreaks such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery. The situation is compounded by the disruption of sanitation services due to damage from the war and a lack of funds for operations and maintenance of existing systems. Our water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs include water supply and sanitation rehabilitation, solid waste removal for environmental health, and vector control activities to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Concern’s education programs support children who are out of school, teaching them foundational literacy and numeracy skills, meeting their social and emotional needs, and giving them chances to be children again. Concern’s approach with caregiver engagement has helped families prioritize support for their children in an ever-more-challenging environment.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Concern’s support has already helped over 3,000 children into learning at 11 of our Syrian education centers. Thousands of children who have never attended school or only had a partial education are now able to read and write.