The ICRC in Syria: Facts and figures 2014

Nearly four years of fighting have had a major impact on every aspect of life in Syria. Millions of people have become displaced, tens of thousands been killed, gone missing, detained or separated from family members. In addition to the humanitarian crisis, the infrastructure of the country has been badly damaged and the essential services like healthcare and water supply have been hampered in a number of areas as a result of the conflict. More than six million people are internally displaced within the country, struggling to cope with difficult living conditions. Hosting communities also find difficulties to get the basic needs covered as the local resources are severely stretched.

The ICRC has been assisting millions of people in Syria since the onset of the conflict four years ago. Working in partnership with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to reach millions of displaced and resident people across the country and to respond to their needs in terms of food, water and health. The ICRC, and in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, provides over half a million people with food and other essentials every month. The ICRC keeps seeking for access to all areas affected by the conflict. In 2014, The ICRC was able to cross front lines and to deliver medical supplies, food and other essentials to Aleppo, Homs and Rural Damascus.

ICRC President Peter Maurer visited Syria twice in 2014. During his January and November visits, he met with senior Syrian Government and Syrian Arab Red Crescent officials, met with persons affected by the conflict, and visited joint ICRC-Syrian Arab Red Crescent projects serving affected communities across frontlines.

The ICRC currently has over 300 staff working in Damascus, Aleppo and Tartus, where they are endeavoring to distribute food, restore the water supply, improve health care and re-establish contact between people separated by the conflict.