Global Snapshot — Syria: 10 Years in Crisis
Global Snapshot — Syria: 10 Years in Crisis
A decade of crisis in Syria has left millions of people suffering.
Since 2011, a staggering 6.6 millions of Syrians – close to the whole Hong Kong population -
have been forced to flee their homes.
The Syrian people are almost entirely dependent on assistance to pay for their most basic needs. Thanks to your support, UNHCR teams have been working on the ground in both Syria and the neighbouring countries throughout the crisis.
“A big warm thank you to donors.
Their support not only helps people live a decent and dignified life to the extent possible,
but it also tells them there are others who care. And that means everything.”
How UNHCR is Helping
In Cash Assistance
In 2020, nearly 800,000 more Syrian refugees benefitted from emergency cash assistance, while another 2 million refugees received cash assistance across the region.
| Q: Why is cash assistance so important? | A: It’s to let refugees pay the rent to the landlord, pay the electricity bills and buy food for themselves and their families. Very few refugees are able to make enough money to cover their basic needs. And that's where this cash assistance is really a lifeline. |
In COVID-19 Response
UNHCR and partners opened the world’s first COVID-19 vaccination centre in a refugee camp in February. We provided health care services to over 25,000 people in January alone, and distributed COVID-19 information to over 120,000 individuals via WhatsApp.
| Q: How is UNHCR responding to COVID-19? | A: During COVID-19, UNHCR has been covering the costs of PCR testing for refugees and those who require hospital treatment and care. We also cover the bills for the hospitals so that they get reimbursed and the refugee family gets the care that they need. |
In Education
UNHCR and partners are supporting distant learning via homework support groups, training teachers on online learning and hosting digital connected learning hubs.
| Q: Why is education a priority? | A: For many refugee children, it's been very difficult to follow school online because either it's not provided or they don't have the devices. 54% of Syrian refugees are below 18 and these are kids who should be learning and developing their knowledge and skills for the future. |
