A Future of Hope and Uncertainty for Syria

09 December 2024

Statement by Mathieu Rouquette, Mercy Corps Country Director for Syria 

“This moment marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for Syria and the Syrian people — who have endured over 13 years of relentless conflict — offering both immense challenges and opportunities. 

“Yet this watershed moment will not in itself solve over a decade of worsening humanitarian and economic crisis. Years of conflict as well as natural disaster have devastated Syria’s economy, halted production of supplies and services, and destroyed livelihoods. With over 5.4 million Syrians displaced beyond borders, hundreds of thousands may soon be flooding back into the country only to find their homes and communities are uninhabitable, and themselves in urgent need of assistance.  

“As volatility continues in different regions of Syria, including high levels of conflict in the northeast, and the risk of civil unrest looms large in the months ahead, we urgently call for the protection of civilians and the infrastructure they depend on, and unimpeded humanitarian access to people in need. It is imperative to prioritize the restoration of — and dignified access to — essential services for the millions of internally displaced people and refugees planning to return. 

“For nearly two decades, Mercy Corps has worked alongside communities in Syria to provide vital support, including water, food, shelter, sanitation services, and livelihoods assistance. We remain steadfast in our support for the people of Syria as they navigate this hopeful path toward lasting peace and recovery. We are prepared to scale up our efforts to meet the diverse needs of Syrians across the country in the months and years ahead. 

“The international community and all aid organizations working in Syria must maintain focus on meeting significant humanitarian needs while laying the groundwork for long-term stability and prosperity. With massive humanitarian needs and funding at critically low levels, the stakes couldn’t be higher and the need for urgent international funding and investment never greater.”  

Mercy Corps has worked in Syria since 2008, providing essential support including water, food, shelter, sanitation services, and livelihoods assistance to Syrians displaced multiple times throughout the conflict. In Northwest Syria, Mercy Corps is providing critical water, hygiene and sanitation services in 45 displacement camps and is preparing to distribute shelter and other essential supplies to those affected by the conflict. In Northeast Syria, Mercy Corps is partnering with communities to meet their immediate humanitarian needs, while providing opportunities for longer-term recovery.  

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