Mercy Corps: Syrian Conflict Enters Fourth Year, Still No End in Sight

Neighboring countries bear the brunt as millions of refugees, nearly half of whom are children, struggle to survive

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Mar 11, 2014, 10:30 ET

PORTLAND, Ore., March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the Syrian conflict enters its fourth year, well over 100,000 lives have been lost and nearly 10 million people driven from their homes. Neighboring countries – primarily Jordan and Lebanon – are struggling to keep up with the constant influx of Syrian refugees, as populations in some areas swell to two or three times their pre-conflict levels and tensions increase over scarce resources such as jobs, housing, water and basic social services.

"After three long years, and a pronounced failure by the international community to end the bloodshed, the crisis is destabilizing the region. Moreover, millions more people could lose their homes and jobs, and an entire generation is being robbed of its future," says Neal Keny-Guyer, chief executive officer of Mercy Corps. "Mercy Corps and other humanitarian organizations are scrambling to meet the overwhelming needs of millions of innocent people caught in the crossfire and reverse the downward spiral."

Mercy Corps is providing critical aid to nearly two million people inside Syria and in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. Since the crisis began in 2011, the agency has distributed essential items such as blankets, clothing, food and fuel. Improving and expanding access to clean water and sanitation is also a top priority, as is providing psychosocial support to the thousands of children and adolescents dealing with the trauma they are experiencing. The agency is also helping local governments manage the pressures of hosting tens of thousands of refugees and negotiate growing tension over resources.

"In addition to meeting people's immediate needs, we need to plan for the day when the fighting stops," says Keny-Guyer. "It's essential we invest in long-term solutions that promote stability, advance economic development and strengthen the social safety nets that are severely weakened after years of conflict."

To support Mercy Corps' response to the Syrian crisis, donate at www.mercycorps.org/donate and join the global conversation #withSyria.

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world's toughest places. www.mercycorps.org.

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SOURCE Mercy Corps