Syria

Given the huge population movement throughout the conflict, the needs of civilians have not only increased, but have also become more complex due to the large-scale destruction of infrastructure, institutions and public services. This has severely impacted people’s ability to access basic services such as clean water, primary health care, safe and appropriate sanitation facilities and education.

Furthermore, consistent movement and relocation has led to increased vulnerability of women and girls, especially to various forms of gender-based violence (GBV).

Who we are

NCA has been engaged in the Syrian humanitarian response since 2012. An office was established in 2021, while ecumenical relations through Middle East Council of Churches and the ACT Alliance have been ongoing for many years. With the conflict erupting in 2012, engagement with the development department of the Greed Orthodox Church of Antioch in Syria started providing assistance to conflict affected populations.

The humanitarian aid provided by Norwegian Church Aid in Syria is carried out both operationally and through local partners. The country office in Damascus continuously assesses needs to ensure effective aid.

What we do / Humanitarian response

Norwegian Church Aid work with national partners in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene as well as against gender-based violence. NCA also implements multi-purpose cash as a modality to improve food security, improve living conditions and repair of housing damaged by the earthquake and as modality in protection programming.

In order to address the humanitarian needs in Syria, NCA supports partners to implement humanitarian programmes in:

• Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
• Climate Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CRWASH)

WASH projects include the provision of clean water, rehabilitation of damaged water and sewage infrastructure, and promotion of hygiene to prevent communicable diseases. WASH activities are implemented in local communities, internally displaced people (IDP) settlements, schools and health clinics. As part of the WASH program, NCA also supports partners to assist vulnerable households to repair their damaged shelters, focusing on WASH and protection. Whenever possible, NCA and partners utilise green technologies such as solar pumping for wells. Through local partners, NCA also provides multisectoral GBV services for women and girls. There is a special focus on providing mental health services, as well as psychosocial support in safe and accessible spaces.

Where we work

Norwegian Church Aid provides humanitarian assistance in large parts of Syria to internally displaced refugees, returnees, host communities, and people affected by the crisis, both operationally and through local partners.