Syria is facing a complex, protracted, and multi-dimensional humanitarian emergency that has now entered its fourteenth year. A widespread unrest in 2011 has evolved into a long-term crisis marked by extensive destruction, fragmented governance, mass displacement, and the severe deterioration of essential public services. As of 2025, an estimated 16.5 million people (out of a pre-war population of about 23 million) require humanitarian assistance.
Internally, over 7.4 million people remain displaced within the country, while more than 6 million registered refugees live abroad (primarily in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan). By September 2025, 1 million Syrians have returned to their country following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government on 8 December 2024.
Syria’s crisis today is defined by the convergence of conflict, economic collapse, population displacement, damaged infrastructure, and weakened institutional capacity. These interlinked pressures continue to push people further into vulnerability and reduce their ability to recover. Without sustained humanitarian support and investment in essential services, the situation will continue to deteriorate, deepening humanitarian needs and prolonging the suffering of millions across the country.
ACT Syria Forum members plan to respond across protection, health, education, WASH, livelihoods, and cash support sectors.
