The recent developments in Syria have brought renewed hope to millions inside and outside the country. With new opportunities emerging, humanitarian organizations like SARD are better positioned to address the immense and growing needs of the population. While these needs have always been significant, the return of displaced populations to areas with destroyed infrastructure presents great challenges.
From the onset of the recent events, SARD activated its emergency plan on 28 November 2024 to provide immediate assistance in Aleppo and Idlib. This included delivering essential supplies such as bread, water, diapers, and medical equipment to hospitals and residential care facilities for the elderly. SARD also supported families with children by distributing milk. Additionally, SARD initiated a rapid needs assessment in Homs and Aleppo to identify urgent priorities, with findings to be finalized and published by 18 December 2024.
SARD has actively coordinated with other humanitarian actors and local authorities to ensure an immediate and effective response. Leveraging its 2018 strategic decision to establish WASL in Homs, SARD is now better positioned to access areas previously difficult to reach, including Homs and Aleppo. With its partner in Homs and Aleppo city, SARD has strengthened its operational capacity, enabling the delivery of impactful interventions and ensuring assistance reaches those in need.
Building on its long-standing partnerships and operational expertise, SARD remains committed to providing life-saving and life-sustaining assistance. In the coming phase, SARD’s efforts will focus on addressing basic needs, protection, shelter, infrastructure rehabilitation, and livelihoods, while maintaining flexibility to expand assistance as needed to respond to the needs of the population.
To ensure reconciliation and peace, SARD response will mainstream social cohesion to all its program and particularly in the area under the transition government.
As the humanitarian landscape evolves, SARD calls on the international community to provide critical funding to save lives and rebuild communities during this critical time. Together, we have a unique opportunity to create meaningful change and help rebuild lives across Syria.