Struggling Syrians in tent settlements face challenges returning home following the fall of Assad’s regime.

In the aftermath of a protracted civil war, countless residents in Syria face a grim reality, including Sobhieh al-Saleh, who continues to reside in the al-Karama displacement camp in Idlib province. Although narrative optimism followed the ousting of President Bashar Assad in late 2024, conditions for many remain dire. Al-Saleh, along with her husband and eleven children, resides in a tent within the sprawling camp, which shelters approximately 40,000 others facing similar hardships. Their hopes of returning home were dashed upon discovering that their dwelling in al-Lataminah had been completely destroyed during the conflict.

Since the onset of civil unrest in 2011, the war has precipitated significant devastation across Syria, resulting in over 500,000 fatalities and displacing more than half of Syria’s prewar population of roughly 23 million. The United Nations estimates that over 90% of the current population, estimated at around 26 million, now lives in poverty. The daunting task of reconstruction is projected to require hundreds of billions of dollars, with the World Bank estimating costs around 6 billion.

The interim government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa has made strides in restoring international relations and has committed to providing alternative housing for those displaced. Notably, Saudi Arabia has pledged approximately .5 billion to support these housing initiatives. However, the reality on the ground remains stark. More than seven million internally displaced Syrians continue to face obstacles returning home, with many still trapped in makeshift tent settlements like al-Karama.

Despite the government’s efforts and international commitments, humanitarian agencies are grappling with decreasing budgets and diminishing program sizes. Recently, the World Food Program announced a halving of food assistance for the most vulnerable populations, impacting 1.3 million individuals, along with cuts to essential bread subsidies.

With inflation rising sharply, the cost of basic necessities, including building materials, has surged, leaving those like Abdulhamid Abu Alaa, who resides in the same camp as al-Saleh, struggling to afford even basic medications. Many have accrued substantial debts to manage their families’ needs, exacerbating their financial strain.

Al-Saleh’s lamentations reflect a pressing need for governmental focus on the most vulnerable. Despite positive diplomatic developments, an urgent response to alleviate the suffering of those in dire conditions remains critical. As humanitarian organizations continue to stretch limited resources, ensuring that the needs of the impoverished are prioritized is paramount.

The international community, including the United Nations, remains committed to providing assistance in these testing times. However, the path to recovery for Syria’s war-torn population is long and fraught with challenges. Returning to stability will require sustained international attention and engagement to address the urgent needs of every displaced Syrian.

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