No end in sight, 10 years after Syrian crisis began

As Australian Red Cross marks a decade since the Syrian conflict began, more than 13 million Syrians – 75 per cent of the population - are in urgent need of food, shelter, medical support and education. 

In fact, the people of Syria are now more dependent on aid than they were five or 10 years ago. 

“The situation for the Syrian people is as bad as it has ever been, even after 10 years of conflict,” Australian Red Cross International Director Michael Annear said.  

“There are people who have lost everything – loved ones, their possessions, their homes, their livelihoods. There are Syrian teenagers who have never stepped foot inside an actual classroom, and some of them would have no memory at all of life before this conflict.  

“The international community must not abandon them.” 

The situation continues to get worse by the day. People, who have shown incredible resilience over the past decade, are unable to cover their most basic needs because of serious shortages of food, water, fuel and medicines.  

“The people of Syria are faced with a multitude of crises, including continuous hostilities, an economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Annear said. 

“There has been a tremendous amount of generosity shown by the international community over the past decade. But that support is declining when people need it most. 

“Continued funding is needed now more than ever.” 

Australian Red Cross continues to support our partners in Syria to deliver assistance and aid. 

Our Restoring Family Links Program has long been providing services for families within Syria to stay in contact with family members in Australia. This has included locating missing family members and reconnecting them with loved ones in Australia. 

Donations to Australian Red Cross’s Syria Crisis Appeal can be made at redcross.org.au/syria. 

For media queries, contact media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443