The war in Syria has shattered the lives of many. For over a decade, families have been forced to leave their homes. Refugees are spread around the world, and they still need support. The ongoing crisis has left many wondering how they can help Syrian refugees, what are legitimate places to donate to, and whether or not it is safe to volunteer in Syria.
Life changed forever in Syria over a decade ago.
Can you volunteer in Syria?
While your heart is in the right place, it may not be the right decision to volunteer in Syria. . There is a significant risk of violence and kidnapping, and it is not uncommon for foreign nationals to be targeted.
There are circumstances where organizations would welcome highly trained individuals (i.e. medical personnel and other highly technical skills). However, the risk is extremely high, and safety is not guaranteed. For most people, volunteering in-country is not a likely option.
How to volunteer with Syrian refugees
Despite the violence and danger, people are needed to support the people affected by the war in Syria. If you are a medical professional or highly skilled in some way, there are some options for helping refugees in Syria. While some organizations are taking volunteers, they also accept donations to support humanitarian aid efforts in Syria.
- : While most folks can’t volunteer in Syria directly, you can volunteer in Turkey in a Syrian refugee camp. Love Volunteers has partnered with schools in Istanbul to support Syrian students struggling with cultural integration. The project aims to empower refugees, provide assistance to refugee communities, and improve the prospects of children through education.
- : Traveling to Syria to volunteer is probably off the table, but you might be able to join volunteers with Project HOPE in Macedonia. Project HOPE has provided humanitarian relief services for refugees from Syria living in camps in Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Lebanon. Today, the organization is working to provide medical services and assistance to refugees from Syria who pass through Macedonia. Join the roster to find out where you could fit in for volunteer work. Otherwise, donate to support the cause.
- : IRC works in 40+ countries and 20+ U.S. cities helping people rebuild their lives after crises. Their work in Syria focuses on providing emergency and long-term services to displaced families and those who have stayed in their homes. You can currently sign up to volunteer in U.S. offices.
- : Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) is an independent, impartial medical humanitarian group. For over 10 years, the organization has supported Syrian refugees, providing medical care in Syria and neighboring countries. You can support DWB by organizing fundraising events, donating money, or applying to volunteer. If you are not a doctor, you can volunteer in the New York office or look into internships.
International aid organizations accepting donations for Syria
The Syrian refugee crisis rages on.
There are many legitimate US-based and international NGOs providing Syrian humanitarian aid. Supporting refugees by donating to organizations like these is sometimes just as good (if not better) than going to Syria to volunteer.
- : UNICEF’s efforts in Syria have been focused on ensuring children are protected from all forms of violence. The organization supports student advocacy initiatives, education, and medical and nutrition support to those in need.
- : UN WFM narrows in on food insecurity and has been helping Syrian citizens for over ten years. Donating to UN WFM helps deliver critical food aid that can save lives.
- : SAMS is a health care relief agency that works in Syria and surrounding countries to provide medical care to the sick and injured. You can donate online to support doctors and other health care workers. In the past, the organization has accepted volunteers, but medical missions are temporarily paused due to Covid (as of February 2023).
- : This US-based nonprofit supplies aid to Syrian refugees from Jordan and Turkey. Donors and volunteers support refugees by helping deliver food, water, clothes, and medical relief at border crossings. The organization also helps through education programs and vocational training for refugees. While it is not specific to helping only Syrian refugees, they are a population served.
- : This international NGO helps people affected by conflict and disaster, often in dangerous environments. They have supported Syrian refugees since 2008. They are currently working in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and Iraq providing medical care, gender-based violence prevention and response, and other vital services.
Local aid organizations in Syria accepting donations
There are also local organizations operating in-country where you can donate to Syrian refugees. These smaller organizations are truly in the thick of it, so every dollar helps.
- : AKA the Syria Civil Defense, this is a group of volunteers from all sorts of backgrounds dedicated to rescuing folks in need. This group of Syria-based volunteers earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2016. Donations support wounded rescuers and families of victims.
Get involved—donate to Syrian refugees
It can be overwhelming to see the news about the Syrian war and the hardships refugees face. Even if you cannot personally volunteer in Syria, there are ways to help. You can make a difference by giving money to NGOs and other nonprofits providing Syrian humanitarian aid, no matter what amount you give.
More ways to help refugees abroad
If you’d like to find out more about helping refugees around the world, please explore the resources below.
Resources for relief volunteer work abroad
GoAbroad articles about working with refugees and displaced populations
If you have resources that you would like to share or if you find information above that is no longer accurate, please reach out to us at information@goabroad.com or comment below.
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