The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, millions of Syrians have fled their homes in search of safety. Here we explore the root causes of the crisis, the current situation for Syrian refugees, and how organizations like RefugePoint are making a difference.

 

What Caused the Syrian Refugee Crisis?

The Syrian civil war began in March 2011, but its roots run deeper. A combination of political repression, economic instability, and environmental factors contributed to the unrest. Decades of authoritarian rule under President Bashar al-Assad’s regime created widespread dissatisfaction. The Arab Spring uprisings in neighboring countries further inspired protests in Syria, which were met with brutal government crackdowns.

An often overlooked factor is the role of climate change. Severe droughts between 2006 and 2010 devastated Syrian agriculture, forcing many rural families to migrate to urban areas. The resulting economic strain and overcrowding fueled tensions, setting the stage for widespread unrest and conflict.

 

Why Did Syrians Flee Syria?

As tensions escalated, violence engulfed cities and towns across Syria. Targeted attacks on civilians made normal life impossible. The Syrian government’s forces were implicated in numerous attacks on civilians, including children. The government’s use of chemical weapons in incidents like the 2013 Ghouta attack and the deployment of barrel bombs have caused widespread destruction and thousands of civilian deaths since 2012. Essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water became scarce, leaving families with no choice but to flee. By 2024, over 12 million Syrians had been displaced, with more than 5 million seeking refuge in other countries and 7 million internally displaced. 

 

Recent Developments

In a historic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country in December 2024 following a rapid offensive by opposition forces. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) played a pivotal role in this military campaign, capturing key cities such as Aleppo and forcing regime forces to withdraw. Assad’s exile to Moscow marks the end of over a decade of authoritarian rule and opens a new chapter of uncertainty for Syria’s future.

 

 

Where Are Syrian Refugees Now?

The majority of Syrian refugees reside in neighboring countries:

• Türkiye: Home to over 3.2 million Syrian refugees, making it the largest host country.
• Lebanon: Hosting approximately 1.5 million refugees, Syrians now make up a significant portion of the population.
• Jordan: Nearly 620,000 registered refugees live in camps like Zaatari or within host communities.

Smaller numbers have resettled in Europe, North America, and beyond. Canada, for instance, welcomed over 100,000 Syrians through resettlement and labor mobility programs, demonstrating the potential for refugees to build their lives in safe, new countries around the world. RefugePoint has supported Syrian refugees across the Middle East and in far-flung countries such as China, Somalia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Thailand. 

 

How Is RefugePoint Helping Syrian Refugees?

Amid this global crisis, RefugePoint has been working to (a) develop and scale self-reliance programs for refugees living in the countries to which they fled, and (b) find safe, new homes for refugees through resettlement, labor mobility, and family reunification pathways. 

Directly, RefugePoint has helped nearly 8,200 Syrian refugees access resettlement opportunities to the US, Canada, Australia, EU, and other countries since 2014, with the goal of helping them resettle to safe, new homes. Through our partnership with the UN Refugee Agency, our staff are placed in key UNHCR locations around the world to assist with the identification and referral of refugees for resettlement consideration by governments worldwide.

In host countries like Turkiye and even within Syria itself, self-reliance programming is crucial. The Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative (RSRI), (a global multi-stakeholder network of more than 250 organizations co-created by RefugePoint and the Women’s Refugee Commission and housed under RefugePoint) supports organizations working with Syrian refugees and/or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host populations in a number of ways. The RSRI, through research and sharing of best practices, helps humanitarian organizations design programs that support the economic inclusion and social protection of refugees. Through the Self-Reliance Index Tool, the first-ever global tool for measuring the progress of refugee households toward self-reliance (which was jointly developed by RefugePoint and the Women’s Refugee Commission and is now hosted at the RSRI), organizations are also measuring the impact of their work, and learning from the results.  Seven organizations out of the broader RSRI network are actively using the tool in Syria and neighboring countries.

 

Reuniting Syrian Families: Ahmed* and Amir’s* Story

RefugePoint has also helped Syrian refugees reunite with family members living abroad. In a recent RefugePoint impact report, a Resettlement Expert named Geoffrey recounted the story of brothers Ahmed* and Amir*, who survived the devastating earthquake in southeastern Türkiye in February 2023. Tragically, they lost their parents and sister in the disaster. While Ahmed emerged physically unscathed, Amir sustained injuries requiring an amputation.

Geoffrey worked to ensure a stable future for the boys. After securing legal guardianship for Amir and facilitating family reunification with their aunt in the Netherlands, both brothers were able to resettle and begin rebuilding their lives. Stories like theirs illustrate how RefugePoint is well-placed to address the complex needs of refugees.

 

 

Why the Syrian Refugee Crisis is Important

The Syrian crisis underscores the global need for sustainable refugee solutions. Prolonged displacement leaves millions of refugees in limbo. Without access to education, employment, and healthcare—which is the reality for many refugees around the world—entire generations risk being left behind.

 

How to Support Syrian Refugees

Addressing the Syrian refugee crisis requires collective effort. While international organizations like the UN Refugee Agency play a crucial role, local groups such as the White Helmets provide vital on-the-ground support.

RefugePoint’s approach—focusing on self-reliance and life-changing solutions—offers a unique way to create long-term impact. By donating to RefugePoint, you can help Syrian refugees and other displaced people around the world rebuild their lives.

 

Conclusion

As we continue to confront this challenge, RefugePoint remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that help refugees achieve safety and self-reliance.

Together, we can make a difference. Donate today to support our work and help refugees build a brighter future.

*Names changed for protection.

 

By Alison Pappavaselio, RefugePoint

Cover photo: Salah Darwish