Since 15th March 2011, Syria has been in crisis. That is over a decade of conflict, displacement and hardship for millions of Syrians – yet the country only tends to make the news when there is a sudden escalation of violence, a natural disaster, a diplomatic development, or moment of international attention.
These headlines, while important, often fail to capture the reality of life in Syria today and the impact felt by Syrian communities whether still in their home country, one of its neighbouring countries, or further beyond.
So, why is it so important to look beyond the headlines? When you look beyond them, you not only see the fuller picture and understand what Syrians are living through, but you understand why our work is vital and needed more than ever.
If we were to take a painting, the headlines give you the outline, going beyond them adds the colour. The headlines report the facts, what you rarely hear about are the human stories and the nuance that goes with them.
Using our January 2025 Programme Report as an example, we reported that:
The reality of these facts, however, is the part you often miss in the headlines; the vulnerable child labouring to survive or the young girl forced into marriage, both because their opportunities in life have become significantly limited.
When the cameras move on, the crisis continues. These realities don’t always make it into mainstream news, but they shape the daily lives of Syrians profoundly.
Behind the facts are real people with real stories and experiences to share; stories of hope and stories that are more sobering.
The day after Assad fell, people mobilized to sweep the streets and organise rubbish collections in Damascus, others handed out flowers as messages of peace. The many communities who have been working for years as volunteer and civil society groups continue to work together to provide services that would ordinarily be provided by the state: education, medical care, administrative services and more.
There are also the stories we have previously told, that of Mohammad, one of the teachers from our school in Lebanon, who died whilst trying to make the dangerous crossing to Europe from Libya in search of a better, safer life for him and his family.
Or Hassan, who lost his arm when he was wounded by a gunshot whilst attending his mosque in Tel Rifaat.
These stories, whilst unique to the individual, represent the experiences and feelings many Syrians face, day in, day out. Everyone’s story matters, and they deserve to be heard. They are what give colour to the drawing and meaning behind the headline.
Looking beyond the headlines offers a true representation of what’s really happening on the ground and gives a voice to those who have lived through war, economic turmoil and all the hope and trepidation that comes with a new administration after the downfall of a brutal, authoritarian regime.
This is why we are hosting the first Beyond The Headlines – Life In Syria Today, a virtual event taking place on Wednesday 23rd April, 1:30PM – 2PM.
Rose Essam, our CEO, will lead the conversation with Action Syria Trustees, George Butler and Mazen Gharibah, who will explore what life in Syria is really like today – beyond what the headlines have reported.
If you would like to attend, please register here.
While global news outlets often report on large developments within the country, giving you an insight into what millions of Syrians are facing, the following sources offer more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information:
Action Syria’s reports offer an insight into life in Syria for those we work with, whilst demonstrating the real, tangible impact of our work, delivered alongside our partners on the ground.
Our annual report, released in September, summarises the support we have provided to Syrian communities and offers context to life in Syria at the time of writing.
The Action Syria programme reports, released every six months in January and July, provide a more in-depth view of our work and the situation on the ground.
At Action Syria, we are committed to working with local partners to provide the support that vulnerable communities need most and give you a way to help. We are experienced in making sure funding gets to the right people quickly and safely.
If you want to be part of this effort, please follow our work, donate, or help spread the word about Action Syria. Together, we can ensure that Syrian communities are seen, heard, and supported—not just in times of crisis, but always.
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