Action for Humanity, previously Syria Relief, have been providing assistance in Syria since 2011, and speak to SIDA about their work throughout and post the dismantling of the Assad regime.
On 8 December, the liberation of Damascus finally brought an end to one of the most brutal regimes in modern history. After more than 50 years of Assad family rule, Syrians can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This moment marks a huge milestone, but it’s also just the beginning of what will be a long journey to rebuild a country devastated by decades of conflict. The challenges ahead are enormous, and Syrians will need the support of the international community now more than ever.
When the Syrian Revolution began in 2011, few could have imagined the scale of the humanitarian disaster that would unfold. Over 14 million people were forced from their homes, millions more were left without basic necessities like food, water, and shelter, and half a million lives were lost. Today, countless Syrians still wake up cold, hungry, and unsure of what the next day will bring.
Action For Humanity has been working on the ground since the early days of the revolution. What started as a small initiative to deliver emergency supplies and medical care has grown into a global operation. In the wake of the regime’s collapse, we’ve been scaling up support in newly liberated areas while continuing to serve communities in the north. So far, we’ve provided thousands of families with food, clean water, medical care, and emergency shelter.
But it’s clear that the needs go far beyond these immediate efforts. Families living in temporary shelters need winter essentials like blankets, heaters, and cooking stoves. For children, education has been one of the biggest casualties of this crisis. Displaced kids need safe spaces where they can continue their learning, along with psychosocial support to help them process everything they’ve been through.
Rebuilding Syria isn’t just about providing aid; it’s also about bringing communities together and laying the foundations for a brighter future. Years of conflict have left deep divisions, but shared spaces can help Syrians reconnect across ethnic and religious lines. Investments in basic services like education, healthcare, and water systems are key to restoring a sense of normalcy. And cash assistance, which gives families the dignity and flexibility to decide what they need most, can play a crucial role in this recovery.
At the same time, the international community has to think about the role that it can play. Diplomatic engagement with Syria’s new leadership must push for progress on inclusive governance. This is a chance to create a political system that reflects Syria’s incredible diversity, with meaningful participation from women, minorities, and civil society. Accountability for the atrocities of the past is also non-negotiable. Syrians deserve justice, and mechanisms to address human rights violations must be a priority.
Right now, Syria is standing at a crossroads. The end of the Assad regime offers an incredible opportunity for a fresh start, but the road ahead is far from easy. This is a moment for the international community to step up; to support Syrians as they rebuild their country, reclaim their futures, and ensure that the horrors of the past are never repeated.