Syria

Syria has been affected by armed conflict since 2011. A political solution for long-term peace has not yet been achieved. The population is suffering the consequences, with more than 12 million people facing hunger according to the United Nations (UN). The humanitarian and economic situation is impacting social cohesion, and with more than six million internally displaced people, the country is facing many challenges.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is working in Syria on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Foreign Office (AA). Its focus is on the regions controlled by the Syrian opposition. The activities are cofinanced by the European Union (EU) and other donors. GIZ is committed to improving the current situation of the Syrian population, giving people long-term prospects and supporting political change.

Supporting civil society and strengthening social and economic resilience

GIZ is supporting civil society organisations, internally displaced people and host communities in northwest and northeast Syria. Local partners, mainly Syrian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are improving living conditions by providing basic services such as health care and creating prospects for the future, including for post-war life, for example through education and training measures.

Restoring land and establishing food security

GIZ is reducing the risk of a food crisis in northern Syria. For example, since 2015 it has trained more than 10,000 farmers and livestock owners in how to produce food more efficiently and in a more environmentally and climate-friendly way.

Expanding health care and psychosocial support

GIZ is also repairing damaged hospitals and health centres and keeping them operational. This has enabled doctors to perform over 210,000 operations since 2016. In addition, GIZ is helping to train local doctors and other hospital staff.

To assist people affected by war and experiences of displacement, there is a particular focus on psychosocial support services, especially for women.

Supporting the UN-led peace process

GIZ is supporting the peace process led by the UN. The focus here is on promoting effective dialogue between different stakeholders. Women in particular are being included in the peace process.

Rebuilding earthquake-stricken areas

In the areas that were most affected by the 2023 earthquake, GIZ is helping to restore access to income, education and health services. It is providing support via local NGOs, for example to schools, hospitals and markets. Training measures are primarily improving the incomes of women and women-led households.