About us
Our involvment in Syria
Caritas Czech Republic has been working in Syria since 2013. Our involvement started with alleviating the effects of the civil war that struck Syria in 2011. The immediate humanitarian aid comprised of material aid distribution of basic supplies, such as food, clothes and hygiene supplies. We also supported Syria in improving the healthcare accessibility by providing funding for a mobile clinic in the Northwest Syria and a clinic in Allepo.
As the conflict had stabilized, our type of help moved on to development aid. Development aid provides a more long-term and sustainable solutions to the people affected by the civil war. Among other things, we have focused on restoration of livelihoods through creation of work opportunities and support of the active local civil society and its organizations.
The situation in Syria, however, is still dire. After 12 years of war, more than 6.8 million Syrians had to leave their homes for a different place in Syria and other 5.6 million left the country. The Syrian war placed some 4 million people in the north-west Syria in the need of humanitarian help as they live in make shift conditions and lack basic necessities.
Country office in numbers
- Active work in Syria since 2013
- Local office registration in 2022
- 4 projects currently running
Humanitarian Response to the Earthquake
In response to the earthquake that struck the Turkish-Syrian border in 2023, leaving millions of people in need of humanitarian aid, we have immediately initiated cooperation with our local partner organizations. We provided funding to ensure that basic needs such as food supply, shelter, and hygiene needs of affected people are met.
Restoration of Livelihoods
Livelihood independence is one of the main goals of sustainable development. That is why we work on creation of work opportunities and support people from vulnerable groups in starting their own businesses. Professional trainings and small grants to get their businesses up and running helped 420 people to get back on their feet.
Supporting Civil Society
Humanitarian work of Syrian organizations is crucial for improving the situation of people affected by the civil war. Many of the newly-created organizations, however, lack the necessary experience for their work to be efficient. Caritas Czech Republic is supporting local organizations with mentoring on running humanitarian and development projects.
