The crisis in Syria: the latest news on the worsening humanitarian situation

As temperatures drop, and 90% of Syria’s population face poverty, many people living without proper shelter are incredibly vulnerable

Last updated 19 December 2024

More than thirteen years on, the crisis in Syria remains one of the world’s most complex. 

The full picture of the country’s future remains unknown following the recent change of power and resulting unrest, but one thing is for sure: people need life-saving support right now. 

The latest update on the Syrian crisis:

• It is estimated that 90 per cent of the population lives in poverty
• 12.9 million people are facing food insecurity
• 300 people have been killed in the recent unrest
• Since the events of late November 2024, one million people have been internally displaced, including 155,000 who have been displaced for the second time. 

Providing vital aid to those who need it most in Syria

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent has been at the forefront of the humanitarian response to the conflict for the past 13 years, and also responded in the aftermath of 2023’s devastating earthquake. 

In the face of huge challenges, SARC remains operational through its branches across most governorates, with nearly 10,000 volunteers responding. 

They are providing emergency health care, psychosocial support, food, basic supplies and safe water for people throughout Syria, including those who have been waiting at Sednaya Prison. 

SARC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also been involved in the heart-breaking work of helping people who are trying to trace loved ones they have been separated from, or who have disappeared over the years. 

Stephan Sakalian, head of the delegation of the ICRC in Syria, said: 

“In the past 13 years, the ICRC has registered 35,000 cases of people who have gone missing in Syria. Behind every such case, there is a family and excruciating pain that only gets worse as years go by.

This week, as prisons opened and detainees were released, these families lived through an emotionally trying moment, a moment filled with hope but also with anguish, anger, and frustration. 

In the past 13 years, the International Committee of the Red Cross has registered 35,000 cases of people who have gone missing in Syria.

_{Stephan Sakalian, head of the delegation of the ICRC in Syria}

On Tuesday, my team and I went to Sednaya prison for the first time. The past week's events have unfolded very rapidly, but we used every opportunity to support ex-detainees and people searching for their missing loved ones. Early in the week, we opened hotlines for released detainees and family members who sought to be reunited. 

Drawing on the ICRC's long experience, we immediately offered to help all parties exercising authority in Syria to locate the missing. At the same time, we will continue supporting released detainees and families of the missing to meet their most urgent needs, offering mental health support, healthcare, economic assistance, and legal and administrative aid." 

Whatever happens next, SARC, with support from the ICRC, is ready to perform its humanitarian duty. If conditions allow, it is prepared to work across all Syrian governorates through its volunteers an staff, who are an integral part of Syrian society.

How the British Red Cross is supporting people from Syria

The British Red Cross has a long-standing partnership with SARC. We have been there for people in Syria since the start of the crisis 13 years ago and are still supporting them today, which we will continue to do for as long as we’re needed. 

In the UK, the British Red Cross has provided support to men, women and children through our family tracing service, our refugee support services, and our involvement with the Syrian Resettlement Scheme.

We continue to support Syrians across the UK, including families arriving through the refugee family reunion process. 

You can support our work by donating to our Syria Crisis Appeal.