Now in its eighth year, the Syrian refugee crisis is the largest refugee and displacement crisis of our time. Because of the Syrian civil war, 5.6 million people have fled Syria as refugees, putting a strain on the region’s ability to cope, and another 6.2 million people are displaced within Syria.
News & Stories
Syria
From the Field
7 of the worst disasters of 2018
As these seven of the worst disasters of 2018 show us, children and families around the world experienced tremendous pain and suffering this past year. But there remains a glimmer of light in each of them. Hope has not been snuffed out.
Change Makers
19 reasons to have hope in 2019
Hope shines a light in the darkness. It’s infectious, even healing. But what is there to be hopeful for? Let’s look at the year ahead with 19 reasons to have hope in 2019 — and how to pray them into reality.
From the Field
Forced to flee: Top countries refugees are coming from
More than two-thirds of the world’s 25.4 million refugees come from just five countries. Overall, more than 68.5 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced. Why did they flee, where are they going, and what can be done to address the plight of refugees, especially children?
From the Field
Enlisting ‘an army’ of breastfeeding moms to save lives
A safe and supportive place for breastfeeding moms is a life-saving gift for the youngest and most vulnerable survivors of conflict or disaster. World Vision’s women and young children spaces help moms provide nutrition and nurture for children under age 5.
Change Makers
Refugee portrait project paints Syrian children to provide aid to crisis
A group of 23 artists in Illinois has found a way to help refugees through their art — they paint portraits of Syrian children and give the proceeds to charity. They call it “Painting Syria’s Children: The Refugee Portrait Project.”
Prayers
Covering the world in prayer: Pray for the Middle East
Please pray for the Middle East. World Vision works in Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and is responding to the crises in Syria and Iraq.
Voices
7 reasons why the Syrian refugee crisis still matters after 7 years
Today marks seven years since the Syrian refugee crisis began. With reports of the war in Syria almost over and after seven years of hearing about and caring about this crisis, does it still matter? Compassionate voices come together with a resounding yes.
Voices
Loving our enemy: A Thanksgiving challenge
It’s only because we’re loved and forgiven that we can love and forgive others. Pastors in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley demonstrate this in their care for refugees. This Thanksgiving, Rich Stearns challenges us to look at generosity differently.
Prayers
Hope in hard places: Pray for Syria
Syrians desperately hope for peace, and children shouldn’t grow up in a war zone. Pray for Syria, whose people are enduring their seventh year of civil war.