Syria: a new year, a continuing crisis

As we wind up celebrations for one of the most significant events on the Christian calendar, Syria – the Cradle of Christianity – enters the sixth year of a conflict that has caused profound human suffering and horrific destruction.

In a population of 21.4 million people, 13.5 million require humanitarian assistance, 4.9 million are trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas where they are exposed to grave protection threats and 4.8 million are living as refugees in neighbouring countries. More than half of those displaced are children and youth (OCHA).

ADRA Australia is supporting women and children affected by this protracted crisis, both inside Syria and among refugee communities in Lebanon.

In Syria, the Emergency Reception Centre (ERC) for Protection and Education Project was recently established with support from the ADRA Network, to help women and children affected by gender-based violence, exploitation, forced-labour, and early marriage. Procurement for the purchase of furniture and equipment to establish the centre was completed in December. The centre will provide services such as mental health and psychosocial support, legal counselling, education support for children and assistance with the development of job opportunities for 600 families.

In Lebanon, the Community Initiatives for Syrian Children to Access Education (CISCAE II) Project is working to ensure that children have access to a safe and familiar learning environment, that helps them to integrate into the Lebanese school system. It also provides crucial activities that support children to cope with the trauma and stress they have experienced. Read more about this project and download a summary to share with others in your network.

Please help support ADRA’s programs for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Syria, by making your urgent donation today.