Humanitarian Response in Syria: A Decade of Crisis and Resilience

A guest essay by Mohamad Muslem, U.S. State Department Community Solutions Program (CSP) Fellow

For more than 10 years, Syria has endured one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies. Since 2011, millions of people have been displaced, essential services have deteriorated, and humanitarian needs have continued to intensify despite extensive international assistance.

Displacement remains one of the defining features of the crisis. Within the country, an estimated 6.9 million people remain displaced from their homes. Internally displaced persons have moved several times as the frontlines have kept changing and insecurity has persisted. After the fall of the Assad regime, they’re unable to return to their homes because the majority lost their homes. Beyond Syria’s borders, more than 6.8 million Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. This mass escape has created the world’s largest refugee population and placed immense pressure on host communities and national systems.

Beyond Syria’s borders, more than 6.8 million Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan.

Over the last decade, the humanitarian response has evolved through several distinct phases. Between 2015 and 2016, Syria witnessed peak levels of displacement, prompting the expansion of cross-border aid and large-scale international mobilization. In the years that followed, particularly from 2017 to 2018, shifting territorial control created new obstacles for humanitarian access, while early discussions on recovery began to emerge in some areas. The period from 2019 to 2020 was dominated by the country’s economic collapse and the added strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further restricted movement and weakened already fragile services. In 2021 and 2022, food insecurity and the collapse of the health system became increasingly urgent concerns. The devastating earthquake in February 2023 marked another pivotal moment. Although it triggered a surge in emergency aid, funding levels declined soon afterward, pushing humanitarian actors to shift more attention toward early recovery and resilience efforts through 2025.

Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations have made significant and measurable progress across multiple sectors. Food assistance has reached millions of people each month, preventing widespread hunger and supporting local markets through cash-based interventions. Health partners have maintained support for over 1,900 facilities, enabling more than 15 million medical treatments every year and sustaining vaccination campaigns for children. Education actors have rehabilitated schools, trained teachers, and provided learning opportunities for more than two million children who would otherwise be left behind. In addition, shelter and non-food item support has offered displaced families safer living conditions, while protection programs have addressed the needs of survivors of violence, separated children, and others facing heightened vulnerability.

Yet, persistent obstacles continue to hinder the effectiveness of the response. Access constraints remain severe in areas affected by insecurity or administrative restrictions. Economic challenges, including sanctions, currency devaluation, and banking limitations, complicate financial operations and procurement. Meanwhile, donor fatigue has grown, resulting in significantly reduced funding. In 2024, the Humanitarian Response Plan received only 37 % of the resources required, forcing organizations to scale back essential services.

In 2024, the Humanitarian Response Plan received only 37 % of the resources required, forcing organizations to scale back essential services.

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the growing role of local Syrian organizations. These NGOs now implement approximately 40 % of all humanitarian programming in the country, drawing on their deep community connections and understanding of local needs. However, they continue to face barriers such as complex compliance demands, unequal partnership structures, and limited opportunities for direct funding.

As the crisis extends into its second decade, humanitarian needs remain extensive and urgent. Continued international commitment, improved access, and equitable collaboration with local actors are essential for sustaining support to millions of Syrians who depend on humanitarian assistance. Despite ongoing challenges, the resilience of Syrian communities and the dedication of humanitarian workers remain central to shaping a more stable and hopeful future.

Mohamad is a Community Support Fellow with the U.S. State Department and IREX. He joins the IIHA from Syria. For his practicum, Mohamad has assisted with the implementation of our in-person and online events, interacted with and provided mentorship to Fordham students, and delivered a special presentation on the humanitarian response in Syria to our humanitarian students.

The Institute acts as a bridge between the University and humanitarian practice, hosts lectures and symposia on a regular basis, and is the US partner for NOHA, a consortium of 12 European universities offering humanitarian education. The IIHA at 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, New York at Fordham University also provides space for undergrad and graduate students to bond during meetings, guest speaker events, and gallery exhibitions. In addition to our Humanitarian Studies, International Diploma, Diplomatic Training, and short Humanitarian Training courses, the IIHA publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics, such as A Skein of Thought. Our staff, faculty, and fellows come to us with years of U.N. experience and in-the-field humanitarian aid work. Follow: IG l FB l LinkedIn l X Subscribe:Humanitarian Fault Lines Podcast

Media Inquiries: Lily Egan.