As the world witnesses a great tragedy unfold in the Ukraine, let us take a moment today, on the eleventh anniversary of the Syrian conflict, to remember the millions of Syrian civilians who are still suffering.

Damascus saw its first protests as part of the Arab Spring on March 15, 2011. Given the Syrian government’s subsequent use of violence against protesters, which spiralled into a war, today is considered by many to be the anniversary of the start of the current armed conflict.

As the conflict enters its second decade, fighting and attacks continue in the northeast and northwest, and millions of people are still in need of assistance.

Development and Peace has been responding to humanitarian needs on the ground since the early stages of the conflict (see our report here), committing more than $71 million to our Syria program over a decade. In 2022, we are partnering with locally based organizations providing medical support and mentoring young human rights defenders in peace-building initiatives.

Your generous donations over the years have helped more than 1.3 million woman, men and children in Syria rebuild their lives and have hope in a brighter future. Thank you!