FCA aims to gradually resume project work in Syria 

With 16.7 million people in Syria in dire need of humanitarian assistance, it is crucial that FCA and all humanitarian organisations are able to resume their work as soon as possible.

Photo: Distribution of emergency response aid in Homs, Syria was carried out in October 2024. Credit: Ammar Barakat

DECEMBER 16TH, 2024. FCA staff in Syria will return to work this week, both in our country offices and project implementation in the field. FCA had put its humanitarian operations on hold in early December due to the security situation.

Syria is currently ruled by a transitional government since the ouster of the Assad regime with the installation of an official government still in process. FCA Syria staff will do their best to coordinate with local community and authority representatives to ensure that people receive proper support.

With 16.7 million people in Syria in dire need of assistance, it is crucial that FCA, and all humanitarian organisations, are able to continue their support.

In addition to humanitarian needs, Syria also faces extensive damage to critical infrastructure, like roads, hospitals and schools, caused by war and a series of devastating earthquakes. 90% of people are below the poverty line with international economic sanctions impeding growth. Youth employment is also extremely high with refugees and returnees from neighbouring countries adding to the country’s burden.

As so often with conflicts, women and children represent the most vulnerable. Since fighting escalated last month, 1.1 million people within the country are newly displaced. In Syria, 6.9 million children need urgent support for education. What is desperately needed now is the repair of destroyed schools, safe access to learning, and support for teachers working in difficult circumstances.

While FCA strives to be a part of Syria’s recovery, we believe that it is imperative that Syrians are empowered and enabled to take an active role from now on to decide their own future. That means accessing equal opportunities and influence to rebuild their country and, eventually, support to heal from past traumas caused by years of oppression, war and loss.