The role of nonprofit organizations (NGOs) working in Syria encompasses a broad range of activities, providing fundamental necessities such as food, water, shelter, and legal aid. NGO-led cash aid has contributed to Syria’s monetary resilience over time. These organizations focus on providing civilians with health care services and psychological support.

Syria’s Demolished Economy

The economy in Syria has suffered a GDP loss of $800 billion over 14 years of conflict. One-third of all housing units were destroyed during the conflict, leaving 5.7 million people in need of shelter support today. Over half of all water treatment facilities and sewer systems are impaired, leaving roughly 14 million people without clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. The conflict has caused 618,000 deaths and 113,000 disappearances. Many lives have been lost due to the collapse of the health system. One-third of the health centers collapsed, and nearly half of ambulance services were impaired. Energy production has dropped 80%, with over 70% of power plants and power lines damaged, diminishing the national grid capacity by more than three-quarters.

British Red Cross Mission in Syria

The British Red Cross is one of the NGOs working in Syria that has assisted over 6 million Syrians since the conflict started in March 2011. The charity has supplied lifesaving aid such as food, blankets, mattresses, and other assistance. The British Red Cross has trained many Red Cross volunteers in Syria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they provided masks and food packages so families could protect themselves. The British Red Cross helped people in Syria during the 2023 earthquake, which affected 153,000 people, providing emergency cash support for essential household items. The organization stated that they have aided 43,600 migrants with residences and care coordination within the United Kingdom. The British Red Cross is a leading contributor to a $130 million IFRC emergency appeal to provide food, health care, and psychological assistance for those experiencing trauma.

Oxfam Beating Poverty in Syria

The global organization Oxfam has been working closely with local and national NGOs in Syria since 2013 to assist people impacted by poverty and conflict. Oxfam has refurbished wells and pumping stations, sewage, and water supply structures that help more than 490,000 people in Syria. This work includes providing generators to help water pumping methods operate correctly. In March 2025, Oxfam’s partner GOPA-DERD provided 1,000 hygiene products, including soap and menstrual products, to families who lost their homes in Jableh. In July and August 2025, Oxfam provided water by truck to cities near Latakia affected by wildfires and plans to build two water pumping terminals. Oxfam reached more than 92,000 people and spent 844,536 euros on food and living responses between Oxfam KEDV and Oxfam in Syria. They provided cash to 1,000 households to buy food at local markets after wildfires destroyed their agricultural assets.

World Food Programme Support

In 2026, the World Food Programme (WFP) increased its efforts in food assistance for displaced families in North Syria. Areas such as Al-Hasakeh now shelter families in schools and camps. WFP provides date bars, dietary supplements, and food boxes to displaced families in sanctuaries, schools, and Newroz camp in Al-Hasakeh governorate. They have recently resumed food deliveries in Al-Hol camp, aiming to ensure all residents receive two months of food assistance. WFP has also provided support with fortified flour to more than 300 bakeries across the nation, enabling 4 million people to obtain subsidized fresh bread. The organization is spending $189 million in 2026 to stabilize crucial nutrition in Syria, reaching 1.6 million of the most vulnerable people and securing access to affordable bread for millions.

International Rescue Committee Building Hope in Syria

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has over 1,000 staff in Syria providing life-saving medical care, protection, and personalized support to communities. The IRC partners with local and emigration groups to ensure the continuous flow of crucial medicines, supplies, and equipment. The IRC runs classes, counseling, and security services for children in camps and communities, incorporating mental health services into its main work. The IRC has provided more than 166,000 people with access to medical care, including primary and hospital-level health services and care for mothers. They have partnered with the European Union, increasing funding to local partners from 30% to 48%. Finally, the IRC is building household monetary stability with career training, apprenticeships, and small business support for Syrians.

– Ruba Alghurab

Ruba is based in Florida, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

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